Title,Contract Number,Agency,Branch,Program,Year,Phase,Award Amount,SBC,Street,Street 2,City,State,ZIP,Woman-Owned?,Minority-Owned?,HUBZone-Owned?,Contact Name,Contact Title,Contact Phone,Contact Email,Principal Investigator,PI Title,PI Phone,PI Email,Abstract
Delivering In-Vehicle Messages in Temporary Work Zones,DTRT57-14-C-10027,DOT,DOT,SBIR,2014,2,749611.20,"SAVARI, INC.",2005 DE LA CRUZ BLVD STE 128,,SANTA CLARA,CA,95050-3030,No,Yes,No,Ravi Puvvala,CEO,(408) 833-6369,ravi@savarinetworks.com,Faroog Ibrahim,Director,(734) 846-4831,faroog@savarinetworks.com,"The primary objective of SBIR Phase II is to design and validate the data flow inside a smart work zone system by designing a framework that would enable exchanging work zone related messages between remote traffic management center server TMCS and the vehicles on the road. The framework will possess the following capabilities:
• Ability to broadcast Traveler Information Messages (TIM) as well as Road Side Alert (RSA) messages to connected vehicles in a work zone.
• Ability to track vehicles traversing a work zone to extract data for performance metric
computation.
• Ability to remotely configure TIM from a central location over cellular link or on?site via an Ethernet link.
• Ability to communicate with existing work zone equipment using the NTCIP protocol.
The following are the main components of the proposed framework:
• A tool to create TIMs and RSAs and placing them on local maps and enhance
the logic to identify work zone areas.
• Road side Equipment (RSE) that broadcasts TIM/RSA, receives BSMs from connected vehicles, communicates with existing work zone equipment via NTCIP,
and, communicates with remote central server via cellular OBU receives the work zone messages (TIM/RSA) from either the RSE or other OBUs. These messages are communicated to driver through a driver-vehicle interface.
• Traffic Management Server (TMCS) – Centralized server that is capable of provisioning TIM/RSA messages on the RSE. It also does the data analysis of
the OBU messages and calculates work zone travel parameters including travel
time and congestion extension (Back of the Queue Location).
The Work Zone project scope will also include the development of a set of
algorithms and applications, hosted inside in vehicle OBU’s, required to intelligently communicate with the proposed work zone system (mainly the RSE), to extend the operation field of the work zone system and to convey to the driver the required travel information and warning messages."
A Point-of-Care Device for Diagnosis of Platelet Injury in Trauma Patients,FA8650-14-M-6521,DOD,DHP,SBIR,2014,1,149968.00,"HemoSonics, LLC",400 Preston Avenue,Suite 250,Charlottesville,VA,22903-,No,No,No,William F. Walker,President,(434) 202-1032,bwalker@hemosonics.com,Francesco Viola,Founder and VP Engineering,(434) 202-1032,fviola@hemosonics.com,"HemoSonics LLC is developing an easy to use and easy to interpret diagnostic device to rapidly identify diffuse coagulopathies in order to guide proper and evidence-based interventions. The management of diffuse coagulopathies is extremely important in military medicine as these conditions represent a significant source of combat morbidity and mortality. HemoSonics""device is based on sonorheometry, an ultrasound-based technology that can measure dynamic changes in clot stiffness during the process of coagulation and fibrinolysis. Sonorheometry does not require moving mechanical parts and utilizes a self-contained consumable cartridge with embedded lyophilized reagents. This technology has significant advantages over competing viscoelastometric devices such as TEG and ROTEM; sonorheometry is faster and more sensitive than TEG and ROTEM, it is ease to operate and to interpret, and it is robust to environmental vibrations. The overall goal of this proposal is to finalize the development of sonorheometry into a portable, rugged instrument that can be used in the expeditionary medicine environment. The focus in this Phase I application will be to complete demonstration of the feasibility of sonorheometry to rapidly measure the absolute contribution of platelets to clot stiffness using a real-time differential test."
"High Gain, High Power PCSS with Integrated Monolithic Optical Trigger",W15QKN-14-C-0080,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,149971.00,"Ness Engineering, Inc.",P.O. Box 261501,,San Diego,CA,-,No,No,No,Richard M. Ness,President,(858) 566-2372,nessengr@san.rr.com,Richard M. Ness,President,(858) 566-2372,nessengr@san.rr.com,"The objective of this proposal is to examine the feasibility of a design for a Photoconductive Semiconductor Switch (PCSS) with an integrated optical trigger that can switch at least 30 kV, 1 kA, 20 ns pulses with jitter<100 ps. The PCSS must be triggered without an external laser and the PCSS/trigger package must have a lifetime of>108 shots. Ness Engineering, Inc. (NEI) and Texas Tech University (TTU) propose to utilize wide bandgap materials to demonstrate lock-on switching and allow much less optical trigger pulse energy to activate the PCSS device. PCSS designs such as this would be useful for a variety of applications, including those identified by the Army: Ultra Wide Band (UWB) sources and ground penetrating radar for use in detecting and potentially neutralizing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). NEI and TTU have the unique expertise and facilities to design, construct and test a brassboard prototype photoconductive switch to demonstrate the technology and continue the development through to commercialization. The three researchers on the NEI/TTU team have a combined experience of almost 100 years in pulsed power and solid state device development."
Decision Making under Uncertainty for Dynamic Spectrum Access,FA9453-14-M-0003,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,150000.00,InfoBeyond Technology LLC,Suite 220,10400 Linn Station Rd.,Louisville,KY,-,No,No,No,Debbie Qiu,Officer,(502) 742-9770,Debbie.qiu@infobeyonds.com,Bin Xie,President,(502) 742-9770,Bin.Xie@InfoBeyonds.com,"ABSTRACT: Due to scarcity of spectrum, Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) becomes a needed technology to improve the utilization of electromagnetic spectrum for DoD satellite communication. However, current DSA approaches are developed for terrestrial communications without addressing the unique challenges for SATCOM environments such as error-prone spectrum sensing, high mobility, and large coverage. In this project, InfoBeyond advocates novel Efficient and Robust Dynamic Spectrum Access under Uncertainty (ERDSAU) algorithms. ERDSAU models the DSA in the SATCOM environment as a problem of Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP). Partial observation indicates that a LEO satellite is only able to sense a partial of spectrum channel. Under partial observation and imperfection awareness of channel, POMDP is an optimization problem that allows a LEO satellite to optimally take action on the spectrum channel. In a collaborative way, ERDSAU tracks each spectrum channel by a probability distribution over the set of possible states that is evaluated on a set of observations and observation probabilities and the underlying Markov decision process, providing high accuracy on decision making. Furthermore, ERDSAU prioritizes the LEO satellites in detecting spectrum holes to improve the resource allocation between multiple satellites. ERDSAU also provides computationally efficiency in response to change of spectrum status. BENEFIT: The ability to provide spectrum sensing and decision making under uncertainty environments increases the spectrum utilization and is proving useful for DoD SATCOM communication. However, the current approaches are very limited to offer such capability for SATCOM environment where sensing is error prone and satellites moves fast. Our proposed ERDSAU provides an innovative approach that provides the capability of spectrum sensing and access decision making under high uncertainty. ERDSAU represents a vital advance on the frontline of the cognitive SATCOM environments. Once it is developed as COTS/GOTS products, ERDSAU leads to several key business benefits. At first, ERDSAU can be deployed in the military SATCOM environments. The unique issues of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites spectrum sensing are addressed such that the secondary users can optimally access the spectrum holes of the primary users without affecting to theirs normal transmission. The proposed ERDSAU utilizes the unused spectrum period of the primary users that significantly increase the system performance. These features are highly desirable in many military scenarios where the large volume of data needs to be delivered constrained on the frequency spectrum. Secondly, it can be used for disaster response SATCOM environment. In the case of disaster, SATCOM is indispensable on communication network around the disaster area such that personnel can rapidly response to rescue and first response services. It can also be used for national communications and other environments. ERDSAU offers the capabilities of delivering critical information in the case of the main communication links are downed or attacked. Air Force would gain significant value from the commercialized dual-use ERDSAU products. ERDSAU can be used in many tactical applications in the SATCOM military and governmental networks. ERDSAU can also be applied for business and commercial networks to improve the utilization of the frequency spectrum. The private market size is much larger than that of military applications where the individuals or organizations can efficiently utilize the unused spectrum holes to increase the data transmission rate without increasing the expense. Our efforts for the DoD and commercial markets are to transition the ERDSAU technology into various applications and attract a great amount of investments by successfully creating new markets. We will closely work with our partners to transfer this technology into military and commercial domains."
Secure Efficient Cross-domain Protocols,FA8750-14-C-0041,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,150000.00,InfoBeyond Technology LLC,Suite 220,10400 Linn Station Rd.,Louisville,KY,-,No,No,No,Debbie Qiu,Officer,(502) 742-9770,Debbie.qiu@infobeyonds.com,Bin Xie,President,(502) 742-9770,Bin.Xie@InfoBeyonds.com,"ABSTRACT: Coordinating and sharing information across multi-level security (MLS) networks are of great interest in many military applications. However, it is very challenging to accomplish those goals due to the heterogeneous security classifications of different network domains. The recent proposed cross-domain solutions (CDS) provide initial steps to make such applications possible. However, there are still several issues in the existing solutions, and some of them are: (i) inefficient authentication; (ii) privacy leakage; (iii) unlimited capacity covert channel. In this project, InfoBeyond advocates an Efficient, Secure, and Covert Channel Capacity Bounded (ESC3B) algorithms for the MLS cross-domain environments to address these challenges. First, ESC3B provides an efficient and secure fine-grained authentication scheme which requires each user to store only one key. The key can be used to authenticate several services across the networks. Secondly, an anonymous authentication protocol is provided to the users for service request. The service provider or other third parties cannot infer the user identity and other privacy information. Finally, ESC3B enables reliable communication between network domains by providing feedback channel. The capacity of potential covert channels created by the feedback channel is upper bounded by an arbitrary small value determined by the network designer. BENEFIT: The ability to provide data sharing and cooperation capabilities in MLS cross-domain environments is proving increasingly useful for many commercial and military applications. However, the current approaches are very limited to offer such capabilities without a risk of leaking sensitive information. Our proposed ESC3B provides an innovative approach that provides the cooperating and data sharing capabilities among the heterogeneous security domains. ESC3B represents a vital advance on the frontline of the future MLS environments. Once it is developed as COTS/GOTS products, ESC3B leads to several key business benefits. At first, it provides efficient and secure authentication across domains. ESC3B can be deployed in many commercial as well as military MLS environments in which the cooperation and information sharing across network domains are needed. The proposed framework ESC3B saves the key storage space at the users while simplifying the key management at the service provider. When a key or user is compromised, it requires no key update. These features are highly desirable in many military scenarios where the authentication key can easily be lost or compromised. Secondly, it prevents privacy-leakage free among domains. ESC3B is able to provide privacy-leakage free for the users. The mutual authentication protocol can prevent malicious attacks as well. In addition, the proposed protocol is designed such that it minimizes the data traffic crossing the domain boundaries to limit the leak of sensitive information. Thirdly, ESC3B offers the information and resource sharing and cooperating capabilities which are critical in many commercial and military applications. Many network resources can be fully utilized or reused by users who may reside in different locations. ESC3B promotes the cooperation and resource sharing across the domains greatly saving expense and time. Air Force would gain significant value from the commercialized dual-use ESC3B products. ESC3B can be used in many tactical applications in the military and governmental networks. ESC3B can also be applied for business and commercial networks where the cooperating and information sharing are preferred. The private market size is much larger than that of military applications where the individuals or organizations can quickly cooperate and share information to achieve business opportunities without the risk of sensitive information breach. ESC3B could have a big market on enterprises and organizations. Our effort for the commercial market is to transition the ESC3B technology into various applications and attract a great amount of investments by successfully creating new markets. We will closely work with our partners to transfer this technology into military and commercial domains."
FIRESTORM: Framework for Information Reasoning and Extraction for STatistical Object Recognition and pattern Matching,N00014-14-P-1124,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,1,149987.00,Harmonia Holdings Group,"2020 Kraft Drive, Suite 1000",,Blacksburg,VA,24060-6491,Yes,Yes,Yes,Pallabi Saboo,CEO,(540) 951-5915,psaboo@harmonia.com,Marc Abrams,PI,(540) 951-5901,mabrams@harmonia.com,"The trend toward storage of data collected by the U.S. military and Intelligence Community (IC) in high performance computing facilities (i.e.,""data clouds"") enables historical retrospective comparison of data to new collections to facilitate pattern discovery for prediction. However, many of the techniques for reasoning and pattern recognition have yet to be applied to the emerging data cloud technologies. Moreover, the diversity of information now supported by data stores and computing scales of""Internet""magnitude exposes new opportunities for analysis, situational awareness, prediction and planning. Harmonia""s Framework for Information Reasoning and Extraction for STatistical Object Recognition and pattern Matching (FIRESTORM) is designed to assist the warfighter and intelligence analyst to evaluate massive datasets across many different dimensions, to find patterns that may predict critical impacts to operations, or windows of opportunity for mission courses of action. FIRESTORM will use DCGS-N Increment 2 and DCGS-A IC ITE technologies, including open source""Storm""topologies, to continuously transform data ingested by a cloud into layers that can be mapped to multiple dimensions of time and geography; and to automatically recognize patterns, using user-driven case-based reasoning, via massively parallel computation with GPU algorithms, Hadoop MapReduce, and Harmonia""s ONR-funded BumbleBee to coordinate computations across clouds."
Novel Approaches to Service Virtualization in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks,N68335-14-C-0011,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,499935.00,SUNS-Tech Corp.,1525 McCarthy Blvd,,Milpitas,CA,-,No,No,No,Hamid Sadjadpour,CTO/COO,(408) 604-9565,hamid@suns-tech.com,Samuel Wood,Technical Manager,(408) 604-9565,sam@suns-tech.com,"This project focuses on the design and analysis of a scale-free routing approach for mobile ad hoc networks (MANET) that we call automatic incremental routing (AIR), because routing to any destination is automatic from the routing labels assigned to nodes, and incremental in that each node only needs to know information about its immediate neighborhood and nothing else. The main premise for AIR is that routing in wireless ad hoc networks is inherently limited as a result of adopting fixed node names as the identifiers used in channel access and routing, using layer independence to simplify protocol design, and designing a MAC protocol with respect to its operation over a single multiple access link."
Integrated surface acoustic wave and microstructure informatics techniques for rapid identification and quantification of microtextured regions in met,FA8650-14-M-5055,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149930.00,MRL Materials Resources LLC,714 E Monument ave,Suite 130,Dayton,OH,45402-1382,No,No,No,Ayman Salem,ceo,(937) 531-6658,ayman.salem@icmrl.net,Ayman Salem,CEO,(937) 531-6658,ayman.salem@icmrl.net,"ABSTRACT: Microstructure heterogeneities occur commonly in metallic aerospace materials. These are sometimes desired and exploited in tailoring location specific properties (e.g., turbine disks with gradient microstructures). In other instances, they might be undesirable because they lead to detrimental effects on properties (e.g., Macrozones in turbine titanium disks). In either situation, a rapid identification and quantification of location specific morphology and crystallography of various phases is necessary for reliably predicting properties and quality control of parts. MRL is proposing to combine spatially resolved acoustic spectroscopy (SRAS) with microstructure informatics techniques to measure and analyze components made of metallic aerospace materials such as alpha/beta titanium alloys and Ni-based superalloys. Combining SRAS and Microstructure informations will enable non-contact measurements and rapid quantification of both morphology and crystallography of metallic surfaces. To assure the integration of the proposed technique into current design and quality control tools, comparisons with current measurements techniques will be carried out (e.g., Electron Backscatter diffraction). Furthermore, protocols for correlating with current common ASTM and ISO standards for grain size and texture quantification will be established for Ti and Ni-based superalloys. BENEFIT: Reduce the cost of microstructure characterization via fast and efficient integration of microstructure analytics and material characterization of large samples."
Microstructure Sensitive Stochastic Finite Element Tools for Poly-crystalline Metals,N00014-14-P-1252,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,1,149979.00,MRL Materials Resources LLC,714 E Monument ave,Suite 130,Dayton,OH,45402-1382,No,No,No,Ayman Salem,CEO,(937) 469-0918,ayman.salem@ICMRL.net,Joshua Shaffer,Materials modeler/Data scientist,(937) 531-6657,joshua.shaffer@icmrl.net,"Accelerated insertion of new high-performance materials, as envisioned by the Materials Genome Initiative and Integrated Computational Materials Engineering paradigm, necessitates a detailed understanding of the interrelated variability of microstructural features and resultant material performance. In this solicitation, MRL proposes to develop a process for incorporation of such mesoscale variability into a component-scale stochastic finite element framework using a combination of tailored experiments producing objective statistical microstructure descriptors and efficient spectral linkages to feed forward this information across relevant length scales. This framework will empower designers of both components and processing routes to explicitly account for likely deviations in material properties and work towards optimal design."
"Durable, Low Friction Coating for Variable Speed Refueling Drogue (VSRD)",FA8650-14-M-5064,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149984.00,Texas High Energy Materials,7301 Ranch Road 620 N.,Suite 155.276,Austin,TX,-,No,No,No,Aureliano P. Jr.,President,(512) 217-9973,alperez4@yahoo.com,Aureliano P. Jr,President,(512) 670-6182,alperez4@yahoo.com,"ABSTRACT: Current surface modification and lubricant technologies are either ineffective or too expensive and difficult to apply on US Air Force refueling drogue components. A low-cost, non-toxic, environmentally benign, easy to apply lubricant could significantly reduce US Air Force cost burdens to perform aerial refueling exercises and missions. We propose an advanced lubricant technology that, in its first-generation form, exhibited full compliance to MIL-L-23398 performance specifications, and has been fully characterized using sophisticated optical, FTIR, XPS, and AFM spectroscopic techniques. Our permanent, ultra-low coefficient of friction, durable, extreme-pressure resistant lubricant is offered as a cost-effective surface pre-treatment that will synergistically enhance the hydrodynamic performance of liquid lubricants and greases presently in service. Management of friction and wear of drogue refueling components with our lubricant technology will allow the US Air Force to achieve its performance and operating cost targets. An added benefit or our technology will be to extend the service life of the lubricated part and ultimately the life of the drogue refueling system. BENEFIT: Air Force personnel will be pleased with the immediate cost, performance and application benefits from our proposed low-cost, ultra-low coefficient of friction, non-toxic, zero-VOC, environmentally benign, non-flammable, corrosion inhibiting, durable, high load-carrying capacity lubricant coating. Our lubricant technology will have a very low cost relative to mechanical grinding and polishing processes, and traditional lubricants and greases. In addition to outperforming those dated, well-worn products and expensive procedures, our lubricant provides application simplicity through HVLP, VOC-compliant aerosol spray, dip or brush application. We have direct experience developing a successful first-generation lubricant technology through the SBIR program. Advancements to this technology will be conducted to meet further US Army, ASTM, SAE and STLE tribological test standards, specifications and efficiency improvement requirements. Potential Commercial Applications include aerospace servomotor applications, camshaft lobes, recreational rifle bolts and actions, tracked vehicle pins, ring and pinion gear sets, piston skirts, aircraft engine thrust bearings, ring and bore assemblies, and valve seats."
Next Generation Semiconductor-Based Radiation Detectors Using Cadmium Magnesium Telluride,DE-SC0011328,DOE,DOE,STTR,2014,1,149988.75,Brimrose Technology Corporation,MD,19 Loveton Circle,Sparks,MD,21152-9201,No,No,No,Diane C. Murray,Mrs.,9365886901,dmurray@brimrosetechnology.com,Sudhir Trivedi,Dr.,4104722600,sudhir.b.trivedi@gmail.com,"At present, CdZnTe is considered the material of choice for efficient, room temperature gamma-radiation detection systems used for the detection and identification of radionuclides. Despite the advances in CdZnTe materials technology during the last decade, the major impediments in the progress of - ray detection technology are the low yield of device quality materials and detectors, and the limited availability of such detectors in large quantities at reasonable cost. Therefore, there is a strong need to develop an alternate wide band gap semiconductor material for more rapid advancement in gamma ray detection technology. We propose an innovative wide band-gap semiconductor, CdMgTe, which has several advantages over CdZnTe. In an effort to develop CdMgTe as a potential gamma-ray detector material, we propose to perform extensive studies to gain a clear understanding of the basic material properties and their relation to material performance. Through these studies we will determine the optimum growth and doping techniques that result in high quality CdMgTe crystals with the characteristics that are essential for room temperature gamma-radiation detection: high resistivity, good compositional homogeneity, and good electron-hole transport properties. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The proposed room temperature gamma-radiation detection system can be used in a variety of commercial applications including elemental analysis, explosive detection, medical diagnostics, x-ray imaging, seismic activity detection, and radiation monitoring. The proposed material system will lead to a new generation of lower cost, portable detectors for nuclear physics research. These detectors are expected to have high-energy resolution and high detection efficiency in a rugged and portable package. Also, at the present time, bulk CdMgTe crystals are not available commercially, and we hope to become a domestic source for this material as an eventual outcome of this research."
AOTF Based Spectro-Polarimetric Imaging System For Stand Off Chemical Detection,W911SR-14-C-0065,DOD,CBD,SBIR,2014,2,616501.00,Brimrose Technology Corporation,MD,19 Loveton Circle,Sparks,MD,21152-9201,No,No,No,Diane C. Murray,Contract Coordinator,(936) 588-6901,dmurray@brimrosetechnology.com,Jolanta I. Soos,Chief Technology Officer/,(410) 472-2600,jsoos@brimrosetechnology.com,"We propose an Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter (AOTF) Spectropolarimetric Imaging System for Enhanced Standoff Chemical Detection at Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) wavelengths. This work entails development of suitable LWIR material, design of the LWIR AOTF, and design of the hyperspectral imaging sensor using a focal plane array. Currently, there is no technologically mature, commercially available material at reasonable price for AOTF imaging in the LWIR wavelength range. We have been actively researching suitable materials for LWIR AOTF imaging systems for some time, and we also develop AOTF products commercially. We propose using mercurous halide crystals to fabricate the AOTF. The AOTF component has no moving parts, making it a rugged and reliable device, and it provides polarimetric imaging capabilities. Polarization analysis adds a valuable signature feature to imaging data, allowing a wide variety of targets to be detected with greatly enhanced contrast. The proposed hyperspectral polarimetric imaging system will have discrimination capabilities comparable to existing hyperspectral imaging chemical/biological sensors. The sensor will be able to passively detect small chemical plumes (25 meters or smaller) of a chemical agent such as sarin at relevant concentrations (less than 10 ppmv) at a distance of 5 kilometers or more under ambient conditions."
Light Weight Optics For High Power Directed Energy Applications,HQ0147-14-C-7904,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,99991.00,Brimrose Technology Corporation,MD,19 Loveton Circle,Sparks,MD,21152-9201,No,No,No,Diane C. Murray,Contract Coordinator,(936) 588-6901,dmurray@brimrosetechnology.com,David D. Zhang,Sr. Scientist,(410) 472-2600,dzhang@brimrose.com,"The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of producing light weight and thermally manageable integrated optical systems suitable for airborne and space high power directed energy applications. This project will focus on improving two of the most important parts of a high energy mirror design, the reflective mirror surface, and the multifunctional substrate. Brimrose, in collaboration with Applied Research Laboratory of Penn State University, proposes to develop boron carbide (B4C) and silicon carbide (SiC) based light weight high energy laser mirrors by accomplishing three major tasks: 1) forming thin and fully dense B4C and SiC ceramic bodies with state of the art spark plasma sintering (SPS) techniques and achieving highly reflective mirror surfaces with polishing, 2) fabricating light weight, strong and machinable SiC based substrate materials and 3) developing bonding techniques for joining mirror surface and substrate into integrated optical systems. Evaluation of the properties and performance of these systems will include microstructural characterization, mechanical and thermal analyses, and optical studies. Microstructural characterization will include X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Mechanical and thermal studied will include stiffness and bending strength tests and thermal shock analysis. Optical evaluation will include reflectance and laser damage threshold determinations. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7663 (8 January 14)"
Narrow Band Gap Quantum Dots and Quantum Wires For Mid-Wave Infrared Focal Plane Array Detectors,D14PC00019,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,99997.00,Brimrose Technology Corporation,MD,19 Loveton Circle,Sparks,MD,21152-9201,No,No,No,Diane Murray,Contract Coordinator,(936) 588-6901,dibrim@aol.com,David D. Zhang,Sr. Scientist,(410) 472-2600,dzhang@brimrose.com,"There is an acute need for low-power, low-cost, portable mid-wave infrared (MWIR) thermal imaging systems. Current HgCdTe focal plane array (FPA) detectors have high fabrication cost and require low operating temperature. Recent advances in quantum dot (Q"
"High-Power, Continuous-Wave 3.0- to 3.5-Micron Emitting Quantum Cascade Semiconductor Laser",N68335-14-C-0284,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,199981.00,Intraband LLC,200 N. Prospect Ave.,,Madison,WI,-,No,No,No,Robert Marsland,President,(608) 216-6920,rmarsland@tds.net,Luke Mawst,Professor,(608) 332-2520,mawst@engr.wisc.edu,"The technical objective of this proposal is to demonstrate a Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) emitting in the 3.0-3.5 & #181;m wavelength region, which employs a metamorphic buffer layer (MBL). It is the goal of this program to develop a QCL single-stripe device which will operate in a single, diffraction-limited lobe under room temperature continuous-wave (CW) operation to moderately high (~ 0.5 W) output powers. The use of the MBL allows for a lower-strain QCL active-region design compared with conventional approaches which employ InP substrates. Advanced conduction-band-engineered QC lasers will be used, since they allow virtual suppression of carrier leakage out of the devices active regions, resulting in electro-optical characteristics much less temperature sensitive than for conventional QCL devices; and thus allowing for significant increases in average power and CW wallplug efficiency."
High Voltage Pulse Forming Network (PFN) Capacitor,W56HZV-14-C-0167,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,1,100000.00,HARP Engineering LLC,2779 SW 103rd ST,,Gainesville,FL,32608-,Yes,No,No,Lisa Sodano,President,(352) 505-6209,lsodano@harpengineering.com,Mary K. Caldwell,Research Scientist,(352) 333-3319,kcaldwell@harpengineering.com,"Advanced pulsed power capacitors with energy densities of above 10 J/cc and high breakdown strength are required for the military of the future. While polymers such as BOPP and PET offer excellent loss characteristics, their low energy density has led to a search for alternative polymer dielectrics that can provide greater energy in a smaller package. Polyvinylidene fluoride and its co- and ter- polymers have shown potential to be used in high energy density applications, however these polymers are inefficient making them undesirable for most applications. The proposed SBIR will seek to develop high voltage pulse forming capacitors based on a new polymer dielectric developed at HARP Engineering. This new capacitor film has been shown in laboratory scale specimens to produce capacitors with unprecedented performance, reaching an energy density over 45 J/cc with greater than 90% efficiency, which is over 38 times higher performance than state of the art biaxially oriented polypropylene film capacitor. HARP Engineering will use our novel materials to provide the Army with a solution that minimizes the weight and volume of the capacitor. Our goal will be to significantly reduce the volume of current capacitors while offering matched discharge performance and lifetime of current BOPP capacitors."
Frequency-Agile Heterodyne-Driven MMW Signal Generator,N00014-14-C-0178,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,498486.00,RAM Photonics,4901 Morena Blvd. Suite 128,,San Diego,CA,-,No,No,No,John Marciante,Managing Member,(585) 771-7311,john.marciante@ramphotonics.com,John Marciante,Managing Member,(585) 771-7311,john.marciante@ramphotonics.com,"Conventional generation of a high-quality RF carrier (signal) beyond 50GHz requires high precision cavity engineering that inherently restricts contiguous bandwidth coverage. Worse, even if one were capable of fabricating a set of such stabilized, frequency-dense cavities to mimic discrete 30-120GHz band coverage, the absence of wideband electrical gain in this range would invalidate such an approach. Recognizing this basic limitation, the proposed work will generate a high-quality tunable signal by heterodyning phase-correlated optical tones combining high power and low noise. In contrast to conventional RF-photonics approaches, a high quality tunable RF signal will be derived from a single, shot-noise-limited master oscillator. The new technique unifies, for the first time, the low-noise characteristics of highly coherent master oscillators and high-power heterodyning. In simple terms, the approach combines high-power emitters with very low RIN characteristics, without resorting to high-resonance cavity construction. Specifically, the novelty of the proposed work is reflected in: (a) the first use of tunable injection locking to guarantee true frequency agility to the 300GHz range and beyond; (b) combined phase-noise inhibition and high-power scaling that is otherwise not possible in conventional shot-noise-limited oscillators; and (c) nearly lossless, fiber distribution of the tunable RF carrier with absolute phase reference."
Nonlinear-DSP-Enabled RF-Photonic Link,N00014-14-P-1216,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,79920.00,RAM Photonics,4901 Morena Blvd. Suite 128,,San Diego,CA,-,No,No,No,John Marciante,Managing Member,(585) 771-7311,john.marciante@ramphotonics.com,John Marciante,Managing Member,(585) 771-7311,john.marciante@ramphotonics.com,"Digital equalizers have been the major enablers in RF communications in terms of managing component imperfections and channel impairments. Specifically, the ever increasing processing power of the dedicating computing processors has availed a steady increase in the ability of complex communication systems to deal with impairments as well as allowing higher capacities in the information transfer. On the other hand, RF photonic links, characterized by low loss and immunity to electro-magnetic-interference, have assumed a significant interest as an efficient vehicle of transporting the RF signals to and from remote antenna sites. While digital equalizers are a mainstay of RF communications, their utilization in RF photonic links has been scarce, simplistic, and largely reduced to only elementary implementation. Leveraging our expertise in both equalization and RF photonics, we propose to develop and implement a novel class of nonlinear equalizers, particularly suited to RF photonic links, providing the much needed extended dynamic range and linearity to these links. Successful completion of this program will enable unprecedented higher operational speeds and elevated capacities of the information transfer, thus finally availing performance close to their theoretically feasible bounds."
High-Efficiency Polarization-Insensitive Diffraction Grating for All-Glass Monolithic SBC Fiber Laser System,N68936-14-C-0033,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,799402.00,RAM Photonics,4901 Morena Blvd. Suite 128,,San Diego,CA,-,No,No,No,Nikola Alic,Managing Member,(858) 228-7700,nikola.alic@ramphotonics.com,John Marciante,Managing Member,(585) 771-7311,john.marciante@ramphotonics.com,"Spectral beam combination (SBC) of fiber lasers is the most practical approach to DEW-class HELs using diode-pumped fiber lasers. Use of conventional diffraction gratings to combine wavelengths is limited in that metal is inherently absorbing. Regardless of the metal layer thickness, optical power is absorbed in the grating, altering the spectral and efficiency properties of the grating and inducing optical aberrations that reduce beam quality. Designed to overcome the peak-power damage limitations for use in petawatt (short-pulse) lasers, multi-layer dielectric (MLD) diffraction gratings are essentially transmission gratings paired with a dielectric mirror stack. Although the lack of metallic surfaces exist eliminates absorption issues, MLD gratings by definition rely on interference within the stack, resulting in higher intensities within the stack and leading to optical damage at reduced power levels. We propose to use an all-glass diffraction grating whose high efficiency is yielded by inhibiting transmitted orders, and can therefore be made of a single material with no coatings or layers. Used in an immersion topology, this grating allows for a fully monolithic SBC fiber laser system to be realized, with no free-space components. Fabricating the grating and the monolithic SBC system are the foci of the Phase II proposal."
"Low-Noise, Parametric, Photonic Oscillator in Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) Band",FA8650-15-C-1821,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,699314.00,RAM Photonics,4901 Morena Blvd. Suite 128,,San Diego,CA,-,No,No,No,John Marciante,Managing Member,(585) 771-7311,john.marciante@ramphotonics.com,John Marciante,Managing Member,(585) 771-7311,john.marciante@ramphotonics.com,"ABSTRACT: In contrast to the NIR band, which is supported by an infrastructure of devices developed to serve telecommunication applications, the SWIR band remains out of reach for critical defense applications. While it is relatively simple to construct a low-noise oscillator within the conventional NIR window, its equivalent requires qualitatively new physics when operated at wavelengths beyond 1700nm. Recognizing that new semiconductor physics is unlikely, this proposal describes a new technical path to SWIR photonic oscillators capable of covering contiguous tunable NIR/SWIR bands with narrow linewidth and high power. This document details the specific technical path that will lead to an operational SWIR oscillator prototype capable of simultaneously generating: tunable SWIR oscillation in the contiguous, extended-SWIR band (1800-2200nm);>3W and>250mW in quasi-CW and strictly CW regimes, respectively; and tunable SWIR emission comparable with the current state-of-the-art NIR devices with 100Hz linewidth and better-than state-of-the-art 30Hz linewidth performance. BENEFIT: Coherent LIDAR/LADAR Transceiver Doppler-Derived IFF and Target Classification Chemical and Biological Sensing and Spectroscopic Discrimination"
Mode Adapting Etched Air Taper Fiber Optic Pump Combiner,FA9451-14-C-0309,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,750000.00,"Optical Engines, Inc.",CO,,Crystal Lake,CO,60012-3793,No,No,No,Donald Sipes,President and CEO,(815) 383-8303,don.sipes@opticalenginesinc.com,Donald Sipes,President and CEO,(815) 383-8303,don.sipes@opticalenginesinc.com,"ABSTRACT: The semiconductor pumped fiber laser has generated considerable interest for High Energy Lasers (HELs) in a number of BMDS applications including long range sensing, communications and missile defense. The potential efficiency, compact size and low weight, reliability and ruggedness are attractive for these and other directed energy applications. A key requirement is the creation and demonstration of all-fiber semiconductor pumped fiber laser designs that in a single gain stage can produce narrow linewidth amplified signals at the multi kW power level with near diffraction limited beam quality. Central to the creation of these sources is the all fiber pump power combiner. Reliable operation at multi kW power levels and the need for efficient multi kW pump integration requires the use of active gain fibers with large pump cladding diameters. These large pump cladding diameters in turn require the combination of several pump fibers with an even larger input bundle diameter. In addition the core must be transferred through the combiner, adapting to the larger core of the active fiber while preserving the polarization extinction ratio of the input signal. Finally the combiner needs to be integrated with advanced gain fibers in a near diffraction limited counter pumped configuration, and packaged in a robust manner that is thermally robust and stable. While all-fiber combiners exist commercially, they are of low input bundle diameters, are co-pumped, cannot provide the mode adaption necessary for large gain cores, and cannot handle multi-kW power levels. What is truly needed is a systems approach to DE fiber laser pump integration that seamlessly integrates multi kW levels of pump light simultaneously in both the co and counter pumped directions in both LMS step index fiber and Photonic Crystal Fiber Optical Engines has accomplished many different things during the phase 1 program including delivering 2 counter pumped fiber combiners and has made numerous improvements to the underlying processes and materials. This effort has created a foundation to develop a counter pumping combiner efficiently interfacing to high performance advanced PCF gain fiber. BENEFIT: Creating a counter pumped combiner for PCF fiber will improve the SBS and MI performance of a kW amplifier by over 3dB for both cases. This will allow for higher powers to be achieved per channel, lowering the number of channels required by the system and greatly reducing the complexity of the system resulting in substantial SWaP reductions and cost savings."
Autonomous Characterization Algorithms for Change Detection and Correlation (ACDC),FA9453-14-M-0156,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,"ExoAnalytic Solutions, Inc",20532 El Toro Rd Ste 303,,Mission Viejo,CA,-,No,No,No,Holly Bertrand,Chief Operating Officer,(949) 716-4290,bertrand@exoanalytic.com,Mark Poole,Chief Technology Officer,(949) 716-4290,mpoole@exoanalytic.com,"ABSTRACT: The modern warfighter requires freedom of action in space for friendly forces, and when necessary, the ability to defeat adversary efforts that interfere or attack US or allied space systems and to negate adversary space capabilities. Freedom of action in space is enabled by Space Situational Awareness (SSA). The SSA Decision Cycle information bottleneck forces warfighters to make critical decisions with old, inaccurate, or limited information on a limited number of resident space objects (RSOs). Today there is limited capability (and no real-time capability) to exploit EO/IR signatures for characterization. The inability to provide timely RSO characterization from non-resolved imagery creates gaps in our knowledge and forces reliance on more expensive and frequently less available means. The development of Autonomous Characterization Algorithms for Change Detection and Correlation (ACDC) is significant to the US Air Force and broader SSA community because it will enable automated processes to estimate the physical properties of space objects from passively collected photometric signatures. Improved understanding of RSO features (such as stability estimates, material estimates, shape estimates, and attitude estimates) will improve track custody, improve object correlations, reduce cross-tagging, and improve catalog accuracy. BENEFIT: The primary focus for commercialization of Autonomous Characterization Alogorithms for Change Detection and Correlation (ACDC) is to transition the capability to the Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC). In particular, Team Exo will focus on ensuring a seamless integration of ACDC into ARCADE, which will enable operators to evaluate the impact of ACDC algorithms on their mission execution at JSpOC. In addition, automated characterization algorithms including stability estimation, attitude determination, and change detection have a variety of commercial and civil applications. Current and potential future uses include: detailed characterization for the intelligence community, automated asteroid detection and characterization, commercial space remote monitoring, and initial deployment identification and support for cubesats."
Integrated Target Characterization Suite Using Multi-Sensor Fusion,HQ0147-14-C-7051,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2014,2,982031.00,"ExoAnalytic Solutions, Inc",20532 El Toro Rd Ste 303,,Mission Viejo,CA,-,No,No,No,Holly Bertrand,Chief Operating Officer,(949) 716-4290,bertrand@exoanalytic.com,Doug Hendrix,Chief Scientist,(949) 716-4290,hendrix@exoanalytic.com,The objective of this effort is to develop and test a multi-sensor data fusion algorithm suite that will fuse information from multiple electro-optic (EO) and radio frequency (RF) sensors to estimate tracked objects physical properties and dynamics for the purpose of aiding in predicting signatures and features for system target characterization. Assessments of improvements obtainable by using the algorithm suite for target characterization will be conducted. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7979 (16 September14).
RF/EO Track Correlation and Characterization (RETC2),HQ0147-14-C-7710,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,897224.00,"ExoAnalytic Solutions, Inc",20532 El Toro Rd Ste 303,,Mission Viejo,CA,-,No,No,No,Holly Bertrand,Chief Operating Officer,(949) 716-4290,bertrand@exoanalytic.com,Douglas Hendrix,Chief Executive Officer,(949) 716-4290,hendrix@exoanalytic.com,"In order to counter emerging threats from the Middle East and Southeast Asia, the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) is acquiring new sensor (e.g. AN/TPY-2 and PTSS type) and weapon technology (SM-3). As these new technologies are fielded, the BMDS's Command, Control, Battle Management and Communication (C2BMC) component must be able to correlate objects between multiple sensors. Inherent in this multi-sensor data fusion problem are issues related to differences in resolution, phenomenology, and viewing geometry. To address these technical challenges, the ExoAnalytic Solutions team proposes to develop a RF/EO Track Correlation and Characterization suite (RETC2), which will perform target characterization for use in feature aided track correlation. The objective of RETC2 is to develop technology for the BMDS that will enable fusion of sensor data to provide persistent system tracking, which leads to effective discrimination and an engagement that maximizes probability of kill. RETC2's technical approach will emphasize diversity in sensor resolution, viewing geometry and phenomenology as a means to providing accurate, timely tracking features for correlation and target characterization."
Heimdall System for SSA Sensor Tasking Optimization,FA9451-14-M-0182,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149984.00,Orbit Logic Incorporated,7852 Walker Drive,Suite 400,Greenbelt,MD,20770-,No,No,No,Alex Herz,President,(301) 982-6233,alex.herz@orbitlogic.com,Alex Herz,President,(301) 982-6233,alex.herz@orbitlogic.com,"ABSTRACT: Orbit Logic and the University of Colorado propose a web-based Heimdall System to schedule observations of known objects and search for and establish custody of unknown objects from the Maui Space Surveillance Site. The Heimdall System includes a modeling environment and a scheduler server. Within the Heimdall System, Finite Set Statistics (FISST) methods will be used to prioritize observations of known objects and identify search areas for unknown objects that are then planned with specialized scheduling algorithms and configurable figure-of-merit scoring. The proposed Heimdall System development effort will leverage Orbit Logic""s existing scheduling software framework to rapidly prototype and compare new algorithms, figures-of-merit, and to simulate observation schedules. BENEFIT: The proposed Heimdall software solution will provide a configurable, automated system to improve sensor tasking efficiency and responsiveness for SSA applications. The proposed FISST algorithms for task prioritization, specialized scheduling algorithms for sensor tasking, and a configurable SSA-specific Figure-of-Merit will together provide optimized and tunable scheduling for the Maui Space Surveillance Site and other sites and organizations across the U.S. military and for allies around the world."
A Solid State Bipolar Battery for High Power Sonobuoy Applications,N68335-15-C-0028,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79987.00,Bettergy Corp.,"8 John Walsh Blvd., Suite 321",,Peekskill,NY,10566-5330,No,No,No,Lin-Feng Li,President and CTO,(914) 290-6293,crotonbusiness99@gmail.com,Lin-Feng Li,President and CTO,(914) 290-6293,crotonbusiness99@gmail.com,"U.S. Naval operations, like all U.S. Military operations, have come to depend more and more on high power electronics for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), communication, targeting, and other mission related activities, which has created a huge increase in demand for the energy sources one that hasn""t been met adequately. To ensure the long duration, high power operation, sonobuoy or UAV-sonobuoy requires high power and high energy density batteries. Current primary lithium batteries, such as Li/SO2 battery, cannot meet the pulse power demand. Moreover, the cost and safety are two other concerns of these batteries. Hence, there exists a strong market pull for developing a low cost, high power and energy primary battery to meet the challenge. In this proposal, low cost electrochemical couples are selected. In combination with 3D electrode structure, bipolar configuration and polymer electrolyte, a high power, low cost and long shelf life battery will be developed. The battery will also have intrinsic safety. Once developed, it can meet the stringent requirements of this solicitation."
Status Indicator for Downed Power Lines,HSHQDC-14-C-00064,DHS,DHS,SBIR,2014,1,99244.25,"INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS FOR SYSTEMS, INC.",4970 CORPORATE DR STE 100,,HUNTSVILLE,AL,35805-6230,No,No,No,Ryan Hill,Research Engineer,(256) 975-5791,ryan.hill@is4s.com,Robert Henderson,VP of Systems Integration,(256) 489-9723,robert.henderson@is4s.com,"We utilize a very small single chip communication device connected to a micro controller and a GPS receiver to create a network of rugged,
inexpensive, very small pole mounted devices. These devices or ""nodes"" can determine and report which phase line is disconnected and also which end
of the lines are down. The exact location of the node that detects a break is also reported along with the date, time and an indication of whether or not
the line is energized. A computer at the nearest sub-station is capable of actively sending an email and/or text message to one or more power company
contact points to ensure that the closest responder is dispatched. A message is also sent to the central power management facility where a downed
indication can be seen on a map display."
Non-freezing Portable Vehicle Wash Tunnels- CRPP,D14PC00233,DHS,DHS,SBIR,2014,2,198160.77,"INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS FOR SYSTEMS, INC.",4970 CORPORATE DR STE 100,,HUNTSVILLE,AL,35805-6230,No,No,No,Glenn Rolader,President and CEO,(256) 489-9723,glenn.rolader@is4s.com,Robert Henderson,Principal Investigator,(256) 656-0498,robert.henderson@is4s.com,"Our approach utilizes a mature, portable inflatable beam shelter to house modified commercial car wash equipment operated by an automated control
system. The inflatable beam shelters are currently deployed with the US Military and are commonly used as decontamination shelters for military
vehicles. The commercial wash equipment is modified to withstand the caustic chemical environment necessary to ensure sufficient decontamination.
The entire tunnel wash system is deployed or stowed by 2 - 4 people in under 4 hours, operated by just 1 person, and packs into a common threequarter
ton pickup truck or van"
Advanced Space Antenna for GPS,FA9453-14-M-0096,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149999.00,"Scientic, Inc",555 Sparkman Drive,Suite 214,Huntsville,AL,-,No,No,No,Gary L. Grant,VP - Contracts,(256) 319-0858,gary.grant@scientic.com,Theron G.,Sr. Research Physicist,(256) 319-0865,bo@scientic.com,We propose to develop a space based radiation hardened GPS transmit antenna capable of forming spot beams to enhance the GPS signal on the ground by greater than 5 dB. It is expected that our transverse compound hybrid antenna will provide as much as 30 dB gain over a hemispherical antenna allowing enhanced signals over specific areas as large as 500 km. A tradeoff between spot size and signal gain will be possible to overcome local jamming and spoofing environments. This antenna and control electronics will be hardened to survive in the natural space environment as well as the nuclear weapon environment described in the solicitation.
Radiation Hardened Cache Memory,FA9453-14-M-0134,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,"Scientic, Inc",555 Sparkman Drive,Suite 214,Huntsville,AL,-,No,No,No,Gary L. Grant,VP - Contracts,(256) 319-0858,gary.grant@scientic.com,Jeff A. Dame,Director of RH Technology Design,(256) 319-0860,jeff.dame@scientic.com,"ABSTRACT: This effort will evaluate radiation hardened cache memory architectures with respect to future device parameter requirements; identify potential Air Force PNT systems, DoD, and commercial aerospace application requirements; select a suitable RH cache architecture to meet anticipated memory size, performance, and radiation requirements; and initiate the design of an advanced RH cache which meets or exceeds the noted radiation hardness levels. Cache memory has been used effectively for years to improve the computation performance of microprocessors. In microprocessors, the processor operations are performed on data contained within the register file via instructions that are loaded from main memory. Cache was implemented as a smaller, faster bridge between the register file and main memory to complement the processor speed. Systems operating in either a natural space or a nuclear weapons system radiation environment need radiation-hardened cache memory to ensure accurate processor functions. Scientic and Sandia National Labs (SNL) propose to leverage the efforts performed by our team in developing SONOS-based NVMs to identify, characterize, and design an advanced state-of-the-art RH cache architecture, tailored to the AF Space application requirements, which can be implemented in existing fabrication processes to reach this goal. Our concept is to build the basic RH cache out of commercially available static random access memory (SRAM) that meets the radiation hardness criteria except for single event upset (SEU), and mitigate the SEUs through the architecture. This will deliver the best cache performance with the least penalty from the radiation hardening. BENEFIT: Systems operating in either a natural space or a nuclear weapons system radiation environment needs radiation-hardened cache memory to ensure accurate processor functions. Potential applications for this device include command and control, navigation, communication, and data processing for interceptors, defense and commercial satellites, and other military and space flight systems. Successful completion of this program will result in a fully qualified, commercially available power efficient, high speed, radiation hardened cache memory device to meet system requirements. Commercialization of this device will involve a proven team consisting of Scientic, SNL, OSU, and NGC (where appropriate). Our team has been successful in developing, fabricating, qualifying, marketing, and selling 64Kb, 256Kb and 1Mb radiation-hardened SONOS-based EEPROM devices for defense and aerospace applications, and is currently developing a 128Mb radiation-hardened SONOS-based EEPROM under a SBIR Phase II contract to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Based on our past program history and device development successes, we anticipate supplemental funding to be available to support Phase III efforts. To ensure commercialization success of this program, the architecture and memory design selected in this Phase I effort will be compatible with a typical CMOS fabrication process flow to the greatest extent possible. As noted in Section 1.0, we will assess the SRAM fabrication options available at various trusted commercial processes. However, it is expected that one of the IBM silicon-on-insulator (SOI) processes will be the best suited for this project."
Manufacturing and Strength Improvement for Thick Carbon-Carbon Laminates,W911NF-14-C-0036,DOD,DARPA,SBIR,2014,2,999051.00,"Carbon-Carbon Advanced Technologies, Inc",4704 Eden Road,,Kennedale,TX,76060-,No,No,No,James Thompson,Vice President,(817) 985-2500,jthompson@c-cat.net,Aaron Brown,Director of Engineering,(817) 985-2500,abrown@c-cat.net,C-CAT continues to successfully make complex large scale assemblies for hypersonic aerospace vehicles based on decades of Carbon-Carbon (C-C) fabrication experience. Current and future vehicle designs continually push the limits of C-C material capabiliti
Development of Technologies that Address the Complex Architecture of the Face During the Treatment of Severe Facial Burn Injury,W81XWH-14-C-0022,DOD,DHP,SBIR,2014,1,149986.00,"KeraNetics, LLC","Richard Dean Research Building, Suite 168",391 Technology Way,Winston-Salem,NC,27101-,No,No,No,Kim Westmoreland,Managing Director,(336) 725-0621,kim.westmoreland@keranetics.com,Luke Burnett,Chief Science Officer,(336) 202-1307,luke.burnett@keranetics.com,"With the advent of improved body armor and vehicles and the enemy""s use of the improved explosion device (IED) in the most recent conflicts, blast injuries and related burns to the face have become more and more common among our Wounded Warriors. Pathological scarring, which often results in contracture, tends to be more prevalent in these burn cases due to the traumatic nature of the IED injury. The specialized care, rehabilitation, and reconstructive surgery required for these injuries results in significant degradation of quality of life for facial burn victims. The aim of this proposed project is to conduct a proof of concept for an innovative 3D printed halofuginone eluding keratin-based wound dressing that could potentially improve healing rates and reduce scarring and contracture in our burned Wounded Warriors. The proposed dressing will be formulated and tested for mechanical properties and drug delivery capabilities. It will then be tested in vitro for treatment of wound contracture. In the potential Phase II follow-on project, a full prototype of the dressing would be constructed, and efficacy would be tested in a porcine burn model."
KeraStat(R) Burn Gel and Halofuginone to Prevent Scar Contracture after Burn Injuries,W81XWH-13-C-0052,DOD,DHP,SBIR,2014,2,999304.00,"KeraNetics, LLC","Richard Dean Research Building, Suite 168",391 Technology Way,Winston-Salem,NC,27101-,No,No,No,Kim Westmoreland,Chief Executive Officer,(336) 725-0621,kim.westmoreland@keranetics.com,Luke Burnett,Chief Science Officer,(336) 202-1307,luke.burnett@keranetics.com,"No currently available burn product has shown efficacy in substantially decreasing wound healing time and preventing scar formation. The goals of this Phase II proposal are to expand on the results obtained in the Phase I study that showed that (1) halofuginone inhibited collagen-mediated contracture in dermal fibroblasts and (2) the presence of the keratin in the KeraStat burn product results in an attenuation of the cellular injury response following UVB irradiation. The proposed Phase II project will test two potential solutions (KeraStat and Halogel) to determine their efficacy in reducing time to wound closure and decreasing scarring in a porcine burn healing and scarring model. Following this in vivo efficacy testing, we will further expand to test the efficacy of KeraStat for reducing time to wound closure and for scar prevention in an investigator-initiated 60 patient human clinical trial in partial thickness burn patients. Together, these studies will allow KeraNetics to market and sell the KeraStat product to both the Department of Defense and to civilian burn centers to treat patients and Soldiers with debilitating burn wounds and scars."
Advanced Membrane Technology for Helium Recovery,DE-SC0005004,DOE,DOE,STTR,2014,2,999503.00,"Helios-NRG, LLC",12 Yardley Lane,,East Amherst,NY,14051-1683,No,No,No,Ravi Prasad,,7162893864,prasad@helios-NRG.com,Ravi Prasad,,7162893864,Prasad@Helios-NRG.com,"US production of Helium, a critical and irreplaceable resource that is currently produced from a few helium-rich natural gas reservoirs, is in rapid decline as these currently viable rich reserves are being depleted. The new technology being developed herein is required to recover helium from vast natural gas reservoirs containing concentrations too low for current economic recovery. This program thus promotes the Department of Energy interest in promoting innovative technology and ensures future helium supply for key public uses such as optical fiber production, the US space program, superconductors, MRI and other medical applications. Helios-NRG in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and MTR is developing an economically attractive, energy efficient, hybrid membrane separation technology to exploit vast natural gas reservoirs containing low concentrations of helium. Phase II developed a hybrid membrane technology using a cryogenic front end which can be used to recover He from the low purity sources. Preferred membranes were developed modules made, advanced process cycles developed, a lab pilot unit built and key membrane performance metrics validated. Economic analysis was carried out and showed potential to produce helium from marginal sources at attractive prices in locations where a cryogenic plant can be built. Phase IIB is intended to advance the technology to enable He production without a cryogenic front end which will enable stand alone operation and near universal application of the technology thus greatly increasing market size and value creation. It includes step change improvements in membrane performance, area packing density, advanced process development and the design, fabrication and testing in a pilot unit on raw feed gas to validate the technology. It will lay the foundation for advancing the technology to demonstration stage. Commercial Applications and OtherBenefits: Commercial application of this technology will be for helium production from marginal gas fields containing low helium concentrations, below todays economic threshold. It will permit major new sources to be exploited, revive US production and help conserve this valuable resource. It will also enable recycle/recovery of helium in many current applications."
Lightweight Communication Equipment for Interceptor Communications,HQ0147-14-C-7028,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2014,2,974677.00,MAGICOM LLC,523 Canyon View Lane,,Pleasant Grove,UT,84062-4579,No,No,No,Michael A. Gerulat,President / CEO,(801) 796-9395,mag@magicom-it.com,Michael A. Gerulat,President / CEO,(801) 796-9395,mag@magicom-it.com,"MagiCom proposes to provide a wideband, highly reliable, survivable, high speed, in-flight communications system for communications between fire control and interceptors in an operational fading channel environment using an adaptive and reconfigurable software defined modem concept. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7739 (18 March 14)."
Novel CO2 Gas Sensors for Autonomous Measurement of Ocean Carbon,WC-133R-14-CN-0072,DOC,NOAA,SBIR,2014,1,95000.00,Dioxide Materials,60 Hazelwood Dr,,champaign,IL,-,No,No,No,Rich Masel,Chief Executive Officer,(217) 239-1400,rich.masel@dioxidematerials.com,Zheng Richard Ni,Senior Scientist,(217) 239-1400,richard.ni@dioxidematerials.com,"The objective of the proposed work is to determine whether Dioxide Materials' miniature C02 sensors have the potential to be adapted for autonomous measurement of ocean carbon. The existing sensors have many advantages for measurements of ocean carbon. They are much smaller and less costly than the existing sensors, work with much smaller gas samples, and use much less power. The sensors were designed for HVAC systems not seawater sampling, and so improvements are needed if the sensors are to be used for autonomous measurement of ocean carbon. Still, if we are successful, our sensors will allow a C02 detection system to change from something the size of a desk to something that is about the size and weight of a household thermostat and use milliwatts of power.
The objective of the Phase I effort will be to modify the sensors to meet the specifications in the BAA. That includes changing the structure of the sensor to allow differential C02 measurements, improving the algorithms and electronics to lower the noise, determining whether it is necessary to thermostat the sensors or use calibration gases. Our sensor is so small, that thermostating the sensor would only require 40 milliwatts of power, while a 2 milliliter syringe would hold enough calibration gas for 15 months of measurements at a measurement rate of one every 6 hours."
Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 and Water to Syngas,FA8650-14-C-2417,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,750000.00,Dioxide Materials,60 Hazelwood Dr,,champaign,IL,-,No,No,No,Rich Masel,CEO,(217) 239-1400,rich.masel@dioxidematerials.com,Rich Masel,CEO,(217) 239-1400,rich.masel@dioxidematerials.com,"ABSTRACT: The objective of this project is to move an energy efficient process for the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into syngas, a key feedstock for the production of synthetic chemicals. BENEFIT: If we are successful we will have a new process to convert air water and sunlight into transportation fuels. That will result in a domestic source of fuels that does not compete with the food supply . It will also be a route to production of fuels at forward bases, allowing substantial reductions in the logistics burden associated with fuel transport."
Plug and Play for Architecture for Modular Weapons,FA8651-14-M-0168,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149999.00,"PnP Innovations, Inc","3921 Academy Parkway North, NE",,Albuquerque,NM,87109-,No,No,No,Don Fronterhouse,President,(505) 503-1563,don@pnpinnovations.com,Don Fronterhouse,Principal Investigator,(505) 503-1563,don@pnpinnovations.com,"ABSTRACT: Tactical weapons have followed an evolutionary pattern of progressive capability that allows them to be ever more lethal against specific targets, but the resulting systems are highly optimized,""stove-piped""solutions to a very specific set of requirements. Modern warfare departs from history, with its hallmark being the routine emergence of new and unanticipated threats. We often find ourselves countering these threats as best possible with exquisite weapons selected from a very limited menu of options, then revisiting the process of developing optimal new weapons that rapidly become outdated or obsolete. We believe there is a way to break this costly cycle adapting Plug and Play technology. We plan to adapt Space Plug and play Architecture (SPA) to provide a plug and play modular weapons architecture and initial prototype satisfying the goal of creating the ability to develop weapons components, guidance law software, high performance processors, target recognition and track agents, attitude and control modules, seekers and sensors that can be rapidly integrated from various sources in response to new and evolving user needs. Individual weapons, along with carriers and ground controllers will then be able to integrate within a collection of collaborating federated assets that can significantly increase system lethality. BENEFIT: The application of plug and play to the weapon domain opens the door to many applications. Of course the entire weapon community will greatly benefit from the standards and networks provided by WPA. Other obvious applications include remotely piloted vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and cruise missiles."
Engineering Software for the Evaluation of Unsteady Loading on Store Trajectories,FA8650-13-M-2357,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149552.00,"Kord Technologies, Inc.",1101 McMurtrie Drive NW,Building A,Huntsville,AL,-,No,No,No,Michael Saylor,Executive Vice President,(256) 990-1641,msaylor@kordtechnologies.com,Robert Tramel,Chief Scientist,(256) 527-9148,rtramel@kordtechnologies.com,"ABSTRACT: We propose to develop and demonstrate a rapid store trajectory analysis tool that uses pre-computed, highly-resolved Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) data which has been compressed and stored in an easily reusable and distributable format. The tool will rapidly determine store+bay configurations that display large sensitivity to flow unsteadiness. The technique makes maximum re-use of high-fidelity CFD modeling by storing unsteady bay flow fields using efficient Proper Orthogonal Decomposition based compression techniques, and allows these data compressed flows to be shared and re-used over and over again for fast trajectory fly-outs using existing store trajectory software tools. The database will be adapted for use with engineering force estimation methodologies, such as the Multiple Distributed Airloads model as well as reduced domain unsteady CFD solver based methodologies and will be integrated with the FLIP 4 store-separation trajectory simulation code. This tool will be demonstrated by rapidly performing Monte Carlo type simulations using large numbers of store fly-outs, each starting at different times of the unsteady cavity flow library. In Phase II a master control/scheduler will be developed to run each trajectory on separate processors on DOD HPC resources and produce trajectory statistics, plots and animations from these runs BENEFIT: The schemes and software developed in this effort has applications to a variety of fields including aero-optics, flow control, combustion modeling and biomechanics. It will also be useful to many other areas where the interaction of unsteady flows with objects are important such as weather sensor deployment, relief-aid drops and search and rescue airdrops."
Integrated In-process Strategy for Material and Process Specification Optimization,FA8117-14-C-0021,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149869.00,"ReliaCoat Technologies, LLC",10 Technology Drive. Unit 3,,East Setauket,NY,11733-,No,No,No,Wanhuk B. Choi,Chief Operating Officer,(631) 739-8818,brian.choi@reliacoat.com,Travis Wentz,Senior Engineer,(631) 739-8818,travis.wentz@reliacoat.com,"ABSTRACT: The thermal spray process has many inherent complexities within each sub-process including feedstock manufacturing, component surface preparation and masking, torch parameter selection, robot trajectory and laboratory coating evaluation. Each sub-process is governed by rigid specifications that provide thermal spray applicators with procedural and process guidelines throughout the application. Current aerospace thermal spray specifications are not adequate to capture many nuances in feedstock procurement and process management. This allows non-optimal, yet conforming materials and processes to be used during overhaul and repair yielding unsatisfactory outcomes in some instances especially in cost and productivity. ReliaCoat Technologies, a small business specializing in advanced thermal spray concepts, will perform a detailed analysis of present coating specifications to determine the most critical areas of the process which are prone to variability in spite of operating within specifications. ReliaCoat""s strategy aims to improve these specifications from within: i.e. operate the materials and processes within the scope of the specifications but introduce robustness through in-process gates and appropriate knowledge management tools to shrink variability and tighten distribution. This will allow cognizant engineers to benefit from the outcome without moving away from decades of experience base, while process engineers will be able to use tools to improve productivity. BENEFIT: The benefits anticipated by investigating and implementing modified coating specifications include the following; reduction of laboratory test frequency, reduction of time required for qualification by minimizing process variability, increasing throughput of parts coated and minimizing the amount of rework, together providing higher productivity and enabling high velocity maintenance scenarios. The in-process gates will provide a deeper insight into thermal spray processing, enhancing the operator""s understanding of process variables. ReliaCoat is aiming to provide integrated process management solutions to the thermal spray industry via expert knowledge in materials science and process engineering into ruggedized yet readily adaptable industrial tools with user friendly software."
Engineered Thermal Spray Coating Solutions for Landing Gear ID Application,FA8222-14-M-0016,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149923.00,"ReliaCoat Technologies, LLC",10 Technology Drive. Unit 3,,East Setauket,NY,11733-,No,No,No,Wanhuk B. Choi,Chief Operating Officer,(631) 739-8818,brian.choi@reliacoat.com,Christopher Jensen,Senior Engineer,(631) 739-8818,chris.jensen@reliacoat.com,"ABSTRACT: ReliaCoat Technologies, LLC, in conjunction with program collaborators of Boeing Company and Sulzer Metco propose to develop an innovative engineered thermal spray coating solution for landing gear ID application. EHC coating replacement effort has led to HVOF WC-CoCr coating for landing gear application that often associates with poor machinability due to excessive surface hardness. Wear resistant ID coating processing poses additional challenges of spatial confinement, entrapment of loose particles and gas turbulence that are non-existent in conventional OD processing. To address this concern, ReliaCoat is proposing a two pronged approach of developing a functionally graded composite structure along with using more cost effective ID deposition processes that do not use HVOF processes. The combination of novel materials design and coating process selection will yield required solution within the cost constraints. ReliaCoat will use its advanced coating design expertise and novel process sensors to optimize state of stress and surface characteristics to as provide the solution. Developed coatings will be benchmarked with both EHC and WC-CoCr coatings in mechanical and corrosion performances as well as surface lubricity and hydraulic fluid compatibility. BENEFIT: Thermal sprayed wear resistant coatings (WC-CoCr) have proven effective for EHC replacement for various applications including OD and ID landing gear application. Both US military and commercial aerospace industry uses a vast array of thermal spray coatings both in original equipment manufacturer and in overhaul and repair. This represents a multi-billion dollar industry in the US. The integration of in-situ coating property monitoring with the most suitable ID deposition methodology and its optimal coating performance will open up tremendous opportunities in numerous non-line of sight TS coating applications. Its biggest benefactor of this technology will be the aerospace landing gear applicators of coating, both landing gear shafts and inner-cylinder walls. These advances in design and monitoring, together with partnership with equipment and materials OEM such as Sulzer Metco will allow accelerated insertion of advanced materials and processing concepts."
Multi-Source Integrated Cooling Heating and Power System,FA8501-14-C-0004,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,750000.00,Energy Quest Technologies Inc.,307 W. McNair St,,Chandler,AZ,85225-,No,No,No,Dewey Benson,President,(480) 829-8924,dewey.benson@energyquesttech.com,Dewey Benson,President,(480) 861-8496,dewey.benson@energyquesttech.com,"ABSTRACT: The purpose of the project is to develop and deliver an integrated cooling, heating, and power system that operates from multiple energy sources can be easily incorporated onto a building similar to a standard air conditioning system. The objective of the project is to build a prototype system that will demonstrate significant reduction in the energy used by a building for heating and cooling, plus the ability to provide back-up power. The design presented in this proposal is expected to reduce energy cost for building heating and cooling by 76%. These dramatic reductions are attributed to several unique system features, including: 1) Direct solar driven air conditioning, 2) The ability to put electric power back onto the grid, if excess solar energy is available, and 3) To operate in a co-generation heating mode, which produces electricity as a by-product from heating the building. BENEFIT: The design presented in this proposal is expected to reduce energy costs for building heating and cooling by 76%, with a payback period of 6 years (simple payback analysis) as compared to a conventional cooling, heating, and power system."
"Small Form Factor Airborne HF, VHF and UHF RF Direction Finding",FA8650-14-C-1738,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,499946.00,Applied Signals Intelligence,"11501 Sunset Hills Rd., Suite 300",,Reston,VA,20190-4740,No,No,No,Jerry Lynch,COO,(571) 313-0681,jerry.lynch@asigint.com,Timothy Miller,Principal Investigator,(571) 313-0681,tim.miller@asigint.com,"ABSTRACT: The objective of this sequential Phase II SBIR is to deliver a Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6) airborne HF, VHF and UHF RF direction finding system that is suitable for integration with SUAS and to demonstrate it in a realistic airborne environment against representative signals. This proposed effort leverages the completed Army Phase I SBIR that demonstrated accurate DF in field tests, and outperformed the incumbent system in all DF performance metrics. The field test scenarios were for man-borne, on-the-go, DF in the HF, VHF and UHF bands and used realistic geometries and radios. The antenna assembly of the ASI system was 1/26th the volume of the incumbent system. The incumbent was only capable of DF on VHF and UHF communications. Tactical RF Sensing at HF, VHF and UHF frequencies to detect, identify, characterize and locate emitters is a technology gap across all services for a broad range of applications. Delivering the objective of this sequential Phase II SBIR demonstrates the closure of that gap and has the potential to drive significant strategic and commercial value. BENEFIT: Airborne RF sensing depends on antennas that can be integrated into aircraft. Airborne antennas for HF, VHF and UH frequencies are a technology portfolio gap due to their size. Traditional antennas are typically 1/4 wavelength long, configured either in arrays or mechanically rotated and must be located outside the metal airframe. At VHF (100MHz) and HF (10MHz) frequencies, typical antennas are 2ft and 20ft. These sizes are challenging to integrate into aircraft and payload structures, particularly for small and/or expendable UAS. At higher frequencies (L, X and K bands) the antennas are smaller and the challenges of integrating them into airframes are substantially relaxed. The objective of this Phase II SBIR is to deliver and demonstrate small form factor HF, VHF and UHF RF DF systems suitable for integration with SUAS (e.g. Puma AE, Silver Fox) to locate RF emitters, including radar and communication equipment. Future roadmap developments can enable this technology to operate on the full spectrum emitters: RF operating bands can be increased to higher frequencies; operating range can be increased from close-in SUAS tactical ranges to stand-off range RF sensing; and, the addition of RF emitter functions can enable radar spoofing. These combinations of features drive significant strategic and commercial value."
Micro Airborne Relay Technology,FA2487-14-C-0056,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149953.00,Airborne Innovations LLC,12833 W Jewell Dr,,Lakewood,CO,80228-,No,No,No,Jon Becker,President,(720) 515-3720,jon@airborneinnovations.com,Jon Becker,President,(720) 515-3720,jon@airborneinnovations.com,"ABSTRACT: We propose to develop a compact and very capable micro airborne relay system which will will extend broadband communications range and provide the ability to transfer multiple HD video and data streams beyond the horizon. We can leverage technology we have previously developed which will allow us to easily demonstrate feasibility and specify a new system designed for the relay task, as well as provide a complete solution. Modularity in our system design allows for the integration of new technologies as they become available. With sponsor support we have additional innovative solutions which can expand the concept of operations in the areas of satcomm relay, cellular relay, and transmit diversity. The resulting system will have SWaP capable of supporting small UAS with demanding communications relay tasks. BENEFIT: This system could provide a high bandwidth relay capability to allow extended range regional UAS surveillance operations including HD video, data transfer, and voice relay. The work in this proposal will also allow us to offer extended range capability for our existing subminiature high definition video product. Other innovations could be the basis for a new generation of beyond line of sight surveillance UAS, as well as long range aircraft to aircraft broadband data communications."
Self Powered Krypton-85 Wireless Sensor for Fuel Cycle Gas Emissions,DE-SC0012057,DOE,DOE,STTR,2014,1,148749.60,Ayers Group,910 Princeton-Kingston Rd,,Princeton,NJ,08540-4057,No,No,No,William Ayers,Dr.,(732) 735-5655,wma@ayegt.com,William M. Ayers,Dr.,(732) 735-5655,wma@ayegt.com,"The Office of Nuclear Energy, fuel cycle research and development program, requires improved radioisotope detectors for spent fuel rod monitoring and process control. Processing spent fuel rods releases large amounts of the fission by-product gas krypton-85 (Kr-85). This beta emitting radioisotope gas has a 10.7 year half-life and must be captured and stored for up to 100 years. The health hazards of Kr-85 led the Environmental Protection Agency to place limits on its emission from spent fuel processing and gas storage sites. The EPA emission limit is 50,000 Curies of Kr-85 per gigawatt-year for each commercial nuclear power plant that produces the spent fuel. A spent fuel facility that processes 200 tons of fuel per year will generate about two million Curies of Kr-85. To prevent release of this Kr-85 into the atmosphere a robust, accurate Kr-85 detector is needed to monitor and document the capture, separation, and storage of the gas. In Phase I, a portable, self-powered, wireless detector is developed for Krypton-85 The detector utilizes the Kr-85 beta emission to generate and transmit a high frequency signal proportional to the Kr-85 concentration. Phase I tasks focus on computer simulation, fabrication and testing of the detector. Development of the Kr-85 detector will greatly improve the monitoring of the Kr-85. Prevention of Kr-85 release into the atmosphere and the ability to monitor Kr-85 stored in cylinders for decades supports EPA’s emission regulations that protect the public from this 10 year half-life radioactive gas. Specific groups within the Federal government and commercial sector that would benefit from the Kr-85 detector include Oak Ridge, Idaho, Hanford,and Savannah River National Laboratories and commercial nuclear reactor facilities. If successful, the commercial detector, display and software instrument will provide an inventory record of Kr-85 concentrations at processing and storage sites.. This detailed record verifies that EPA emission limits have not been violated. There is a worldwide market for the detector at spent fuel processing and storage sites in the U.S., France, Russia, Japan, and China"
Advanced Infrared Emitter Array (AIREA),FA2487-14-C-0197,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,147752.00,Ostendo Technologies,"6185 Paseo del Norte, Suite 200",,Carlsbad,CA,92011-,No,No,No,Wayne Lutje,"Vice President, Program Management",(760) 710-3011,wayne.lutje@ostendo.com,Zahir Alpaslan,Director of Display Systems,(760) 710-3189,zahir@ostendo.com,"ABSTRACT: Identify approaches to increase spatial resolution of advanced emitter arrays. Provide an analysis of alternatives that evaluates the feasibility of each approach and identifies the best approach to pursue. Provide a system performance prediction for the chosen approach. BENEFIT: MWIR-QPI will be marketed toward Hardware-In-The-Loop (HWIL), IR Scene Projectors, Missile Defense and IR Counter Measures (IRCM) applications."
Rapid Assembly of Durable Composite Radome Panels and Radome Mounting Interface,FA8222-14-C-0006,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,1049381.00,"Infinite Technologies, Inc",2140 E. Bidwell Street,,Folsom,CA,95630-6453,No,No,No,Michael Chinn,Vice President of Contrac,(801) 820-2624,chinnm@infintech.com,Robert Spencer,Director of Engineering S,(801) 820-2541,spencerb@infintech.com,"ABSTRACT: Current Air Force and industry radome designs are time- and resource-exhaustive, and require frequent maintenance and inspection throughout product lifecycle, due to outdated technologies. Typical panels are constructed with one of several joint types mated to the adjoining panel with through bolts, causing a need for installation and maintenance crews to be both inside and outside during initial assembly and periodic maintenance of the radome. Therefore, the Air Force requires innovative solutions through advanced materials, durable rapid connect fasteners and improved material interface configurations, to reduce the cost and risk associated with the legacy approach. The results of this effort have addressed these needs and met as well as exceeded the expectations of the user community. BENEFIT: ITI has identified a variety of Military applications that could immediately take advantage of the technology developed under this project. In particular, various fixed radar systems that incorporate radomes utilize legacy metallic fasteners with torque requirements and PIM issues. The rapid connect fastener concept optionally is applied as a form-fit-function replacement for legacy metallic fastening hardware on legacy radome designs without modification to the existing domes. These concepts are not limited to radomes, however. In fact, they can be used on towers, shelters, aircraft, vehicles, GSE, and anywhere advanced joining systems provide benefit."
Innovative designs for reliable Electro-Explosive Ordnance Devices,HQ0147-14-C-7025,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2014,2,738775.00,Capco Inc.,1328 Winters Ave.,,Grand Junction,CO,81501-3861,No,No,No,Eric Goertz,VP Operations,(970) 243-8750,e_goertz@capcoinc.com,Chris Williams,Energetics Engr Group Lea,(970) 243-8750,c_williams@capcoinc.com,The Phase I objective of this SBIR was to develop a nanothermite-based ignition composition to improve the no-fire performance of electro-explosive devices (EEDs). The developed nanoparticulate aluminum/cupric oxide (nACO) ignition composition provided a significant improvement in no-fire performance while maintaining all-fire sensitivity within acceptable limits. A hybrid composition of nACO and zirconium/potassium perchlorate (ZPP) provided similar improvements in no-fire sensitivity while increasing the closed bomb pressure output. The Phase II objective of this SBIR is to deliver PC72-equivalent and PC23-equivalent devices loaded with nACO-based ignition composition for qualification testing. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7739 (18 March 14).
Modular Sonar Identification System (MoSIS),N00024-14-P-4041,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79985.00,"Neya Systems, LLC",145 Lake Drive,Suite 104,Wexford,PA,15090-,No,No,No,Parag Batavia,President,(724) 799-8078,paragb@neyasystems.com,Carl Evans,Director of Commercializa,(724) 799-8078,carle@neyasystems.com,"We propose to develop a Modular Sonar Identification System (MoSIS) (Figure 1). MoSIS will be designed to integrate with the PMS-485 Shallow Water Surveillance System (SWSS). MoSIS will be designed to provide low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) capabilities for advanced sonar signal processing. MoSIS will also offer easy development for integration of new algorithms, a modular approach that allows for in-situ upgrades for software capabilities (via Iridium Radio level bandwidth), and compatibility with existing legacy sonar processing algorithms. MoSIS will represent a significant increase in processing capabilities, allowing integration of ADS planar arrays (vs. current linear arrays), reduction of prototype cost, and reduction of power consumption to improve system persistence. MoSIS offers the opportunity to significantly increase processing speed of sonar algorithms such as adaptive beam-forming and target classification, while maintaining a low SWaP profile that will increase system persistence in underwater environments."
Attention-Based Vision for Autonomous Vehicles,N00014-14-P-1170,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79823.00,"Neya Systems, LLC",145 Lake Drive,Suite 104,Wexford,PA,15090-,No,No,No,Parag Batavia,President,(724) 799-8078,paragb@neyasystems.com,Mark Ollis,Director of R&D,(724) 799-8078,marko@neyasystems.com,"Humans are continually subjected to an overwhelming stream of visual, auditory, olfactory, and touch stimuli. We operate effectively because we are capable of focusing attention on the relevant items, and capable of accurately perceiving tiny discrepancies that are most relevant to our survival while ignoring broad swaths of superfluous data. Our ability to quickly key in on the most relevant sensory data can be shown clearly in, for example, measurements of eye-saccade patterns: when presented with an image of a face, humans focus attention on the most informative parts of an expression, the eyes and mouth, which provide important cues as to the intention and attitude of the individual. Current autonomous systems lack this ability to rapidly focus on the most critical data, and suffer several deficiencies as a result. First, they are too brittle: they fail to adapt effectively to changing requirements and conditions typical of military applications. Second, they are too slow: Third, they make mistakes, failing to handle simple navigation and recognition tasks easily handled by humans. Drawing inspiration from recent understanding in human cognition and sensor processing, we propose SACCADE, a system to rapidly identify and process sensor data from the most relevant objects"
BLAST: A System for Bandwidth- and Latency-Scalable Teleoperation,W56HZV-14-C-0125,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,1,149940.00,"Neya Systems, LLC",145 Lake Drive,Suite 104,Wexford,PA,15090-,No,No,No,Parag Batavia,President,(724) 799-8078,paragb@neyasystems.com,Mark Ollis,Director of R&D,(724) 799-8078,marko@neyasystems.com,"Most current teleoperated ground vehicle systems require a high-bandwidth link to support either real-time streaming video or streamed 3D structure back to the operator control unit, and experience significant performance degradation in the presence of communication latencies as small as 100 milliseconds. These latency and bandwidth requirements severely hamper use of teleop systems in situations where latency is high and/or bandwidth is low. The goal of the proposed work is to construct such a system by combining a vehicle safeguarding approach with a solution for effective 3D data compression, and coupling it with a novel approach for controlling the intended vehicle path."
UxPRESS: Unmanned Systems PeRception Evaluation Simulation System,HDTRA1-14-P-0015,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,1,149618.00,"Neya Systems, LLC",145 Lake Drive,Suite 104,Wexford,PA,15090-,No,No,No,Parag Batavia,President,(724) 799-8078,paragb@neyasystems.com,Mark Ollis,Director of R&D,(724) 799-8078,marko@neyasystems.com,"ABSTRACT: Neya Systems, LLC is proposing to develop the Unmanned Systems PeRception Evaluation Simulation System (UxPRESS). UxPRESS provides significant opportunities to increase the state of the art for autonomy by tightly coupling the development and evaluation of perception algorithms with metrics-based evaluation on real unmanned systems. UxPRESS is designed to allow existing and new perception algorithms to be evaluated and rapidly tuned for a variety of heterogeneous unmanned platforms (ground and ultimately air), resulting in greater re-use of contractor-developed innovation, reduced integration time of new capabilities, and simplifying formal analysis of expected and real-world performance to quantify systems design decisions. BENETITS: Key benefit of this research includes development of a formal framework for T & E that includes real mission capabilities and knowledge, rather than just benchtop testing with canned or simulated data."
HCI and C2 for Autonomous Air Evacuation of Casualties,W81XWH-13-C-0118,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,2,499628.00,"Neya Systems, LLC",145 Lake Drive,Suite 104,Wexford,PA,15090-,No,No,No,Parag Batavia,President,(724) 799-8078,paragb@neyasystems.com,Parag Batavia,President,(724) 799-8078,paragb@neyasystems.com,"Fixed wing UAVs such as the Predator, Global Hawk, and Shadow have become invaluable C4ISR and force projection assets. They have acted as force multiplers, have reduced risk to human personnel, and have enabled new tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Use of Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) unmanned craft is growing as well, including large platforms such as the Blackhawk and K-Max, and smaller C4ISR platforms such as FireScout and A-160. While each DoD Service and nearly all the major DoD Primes have fielded fixed wing systems, the set of fielded unmanned VTOL craft is currently limited to the K-Max and FireScout. The growing planned use of unmanned VTOL aircraft such as the K-Max provides an opportunity to expand the scope of unmanned air missions, but also requires new methods for Human-Computer Interfaces (HCI) and Command and Control (C2). To address this requirement, Neya Systems, LLC proposes to develop VERTI: A VTOL Evacuation and Resupply Tactical Interface. VERTI will leverage Neya's expertise in developing intuitive, easy to use mission specification and management systems."
Long-distance 3-D Reconstruction from EO/IR Imagery,FA8650-14-C-1806,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,749709.00,"Neya Systems, LLC",145 Lake Drive,Suite 104,Wexford,PA,15090-,No,No,No,Parag Batavia,President,(724) 799-8078,paragb@neyasystems.com,Mark Ollis,Director of R&D,(724) 799-8078,marko@neyasystems.com,"ABSTRACT: The production of 3D models from aerial imagery has been an active research area for many years. Given sufficient image texture and a variety of divergent camera viewpoints, camera pose and scene structure are fully recoverable. Further, software for fully reconstructing a scene from an image set is now freely available. As the range of viewpoints decreases, however, traditional methods of 3D structure-from-motion (SFM) become mathematically ill- conditioned, resulting in noisy and/or erroneous results. Since real-world mission flight patterns often do not permit imagery of target terrain from the ideal range of viewpoints, current SFM methods are often unable to supply accurate 3D terrain models even during flights where extensive video imagery is acquired. Neya systems will exploit two types of learned heuristic scene reconstruction from individual images can help address this shortcoming. The first approach learns global, persistent 3D shape cues from image features culled from a library of images labeled with ground-truth structure .The second approach learns a temporally-evolving model of transient cues specific to target weather, lighting, and scene conditions. Our proposed reconstruction approach exploits both types of monocular processing along with traditional multiview algorithms to create a 3D terrain estimation system that operates without angular view constraints. BENEFIT: The economic and military of accurate aerial modeling from video is already established, and there are a number of existing companies that profitably market such services today (see, for example, http://www.geoinfra-engineering.com/en/services/aerial-photography-and-3d- terrain-modelling). In many current defense-related missions, gathering a wide range of target views is either impossible (i.e. cross-border surveillance into denied airspaces) or undesirable (to reduce flight time and/or fuel cost).The proposed work, providing an enhanced modeling-from-video capability without requiring specific flight patterns, will be of interest to many users inside and outside the military: aerial terrain modeling has applications in agricultural, construction, mining, and forestry applications, for example. Optimizing the product for real-time use will open up additional markets in defense and border security."
AquaQuIPS Multi-INT Data Fusion in a Cloud,N00014-14-P-1093,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79987.00,"Jove Sciences, Inc.",3834 Vista Azul,,San Clemente,CA,-,No,No,No,Alice Wilson,Treasurer Contract ADMIN,(949) 492-8129,awilson@jovesci.com,James Wilson,President,(949) 366-6554,jwilson@jovesci.com,"The objective of this proposal is to design software for the very successful multi-INT AquaQuIPS (AQ) data fusion processor in a Navy Tactical Cloud (NTC) environment at AQ""s SPAWAR processor location using the new 384 plus node super computer. Tasks proposed are: Base Task 1A: Design and initially test a HADOOP/MapReduce based AQ sensor adaptor for a selected group of the 20+ existing AQ sensors depicted. Base Task 1B: Design and initially test the""New Position""AQ data fusion module when it is developed for a NTC distributed processing environment. The existing AQ position track fusion module that is a single server""bottleneck"", and the AQ DFP processing speed is expected to increase by a factor of ~ 30 when this task is completed. Base Task 2: Design a Hybrid Relational Data Base/Key-Value (H-RDB/KV) distributed, massive parallel processing AQ Data Fusion Processor (DFP) for the NTC using as many processing nodes as possible for automating an Abnormal Behavior (AB) design using sensor sources available for selected events. Option Task 1: Based on the Base Task results, AQ Team will produce an integration design for the PACOM JIOC and DCGS-N programs to enhance their performance."
Dynamic Frequency Passive Millemeter-Wave Radiometer Based on Optical Up-Conversion,WC-133R-14-CN-0121,DOC,NOAA,SBIR,2014,2,399979.35,Phase Sensitive Innovations,51 East Main Street,Suite 201,Newark,DE,19711-,No,No,No,Eric Kelmelis,Chief Executive Officer,(302) 456-9003,kelmelis@phasesensitiveinc.com,Thomas Dillon,Senior Research Engineer,(302) 456-9003,dillon@phasesensitiveinc.com,"Passive microwave sensors aboard satellites provide valuable information regarding weather conditions by measuring atmospheric attenuation over a broad range of frequencies from 0-200 GHz. Additional ground-based sensors are desirable to provide complementary upward looking measurements that can be used to refine existing attenuation models. Operating over such a large bandwidth, however, places significant demands on the receiver architecture; a common approach to this challenge involves channelizing the receiver for each frequency band of interest. Unfortunately, this limits the flexibility of the system and finding components that can operate at these higher frequencies is challenging. The approach is taken by Phase Sensitive Innovations involves conversion of the collected radio frequency signals to optical frequencies, where these signals are relatively narrowband and can be processed using conventional photonic components. Optical up-conversion is accomplished using our own high speed (up to 300 GHz) lithium niobate phase modulators acting as broadband mixers. Subsequently an optical heterodyne mixer is used to tune the receiver and bring the desired frequency signals to baseband for detection. Such an approach offers significant advantages in terms of overall simplicity of the receiver design and the ability to operate efficiently at high frequencies up to and exceeding 200 GHz."
"Ruggedized, Ultra-Compact, High Dynamic Range, Dual-Output Wideband Electro-Optic Modulator",N68335-14-C-0412,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79983.00,Phase Sensitive Innovations,51 East Main Street,Suite 201,Newark,DE,19711-,No,No,No,Eric Kelmelis,CEO,(302) 456-9003,kelmelis@phasesensitiveinc.com,Thomas Dillon,Senior Engineer,(302) 456-9003,dillon@phasesensitiveinc.com,"In this SBIR effort we will develop and analyze (Phase I) a new design and packaging approach for an ultra-compact, dual-output wideband Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) for low noise figure (NF) and high dynamic range radio-frequency (RF) photonic link applications. We will provide (Phase I) experimental proof-of-concept of the proposed device by tailoring our current 100GHz MZM product. In Phase II, we will optimize the modulator and package design based on Phase I experimental results, and fabricate, package and characterize the modulator prototype to meet the design specifications. Special attention will be given to testing the hermetically sealed modulator package under extreme environment following guidelines of DOD test standards. The demand of such a compact dual-output electro-optical (EO) modulator arose from the recent progress in various RF photonic link systems using balanced detection scheme to achieve short noise limited NF performance and modulation OIP3 limited spurious free dynamic range (SFDR). PSI has a unique background to perform this work based on over 10 years""experiences in developing high-speed (up to 300GHz) lithium niobate (LN) modulators and recent success in packaging high-power MUTC PDs that have been employed to realize positive link gain up to 30GHz."
Improve Energy Source for NDI Equipment Tools,FA8117-14-C-0030,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149999.00,"PH Matter, LLC",1275 Kinnear Rd.,,Columbus,OH,43212-,No,No,No,Chris Holt,VP,(614) 484-5038,ctholt@phmatter.com,Paul Matter,President,(614) 484-5038,phm@phmatter.com,"ABSTRACT: Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) equipment, such as Eddy Current (EC) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT), provide important tools for the Air Force to characterize flaws, cracks, and/or defects in aircraft, thus monitoring potential safety issues. This equipment is typically hand-held, and used by maintenance crew in flight lines and hangars to inspect aircraft. The U.S. Air Force currently utilizes thousands of units of various NDI equipment in bases throughout the world. Most NDI equipment is powered by a battery (alkaline, NiCad, NiMH, or Li-ion). The Air Force is interested in finding alternative forms of energy for NDI equipment. In the proposed project, pH Matter and its partners will develop a new technology to function as a power source for NDI equipment. BENEFIT: The proposed energy storage technology will be used for commercial applications, including NDI equipment, UAVs, and portable consumer electronics. The technology will provide the benefits of improved energy density compared to existing battery technologies."
High Speed 3D Data for Configuration Management,DE-SC0010145,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,2,1500000.00,"Tetravue,inc",663 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd,#316,San Marcos,CA,92078-3973,No,No,No,Paul Banks,Dr.,,paul.banks@tetravue.com,Paul Banks,,4422228850,paul.banks@tetravue.com,"Nuclear power plant construction and life cycle management requires low cost, 3D information to achieve future construction cost goals. TetraVue is developing a high speed, high resolution 3D video camera that can create engineering models automatically, working like any hand- or shoulder-operated video camera."
Anti-reflective Coating for High-Efficiency Solar Cells,FA9453-14-C-0037,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,750000.00,"Raydex Technology, Inc.","18 Eldred St,",,Lexington,MA,02420-1431,No,No,No,Jingqun Xi,President,(617) 763-2711,xij@raydextech.com,Frank Mont,CTO,(617) 583-2161,montf@raydextech.com,"ABSTRACT: This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project seeks to further develop an AR coating on high efficiency PV device surface that can enable a reflection loss<3% over the wavelength range from 300 nm to 1800 nm. The proposed effort will optimize the coating design and the coating process of the broadband AR coating so that it can be integrated into PV cell products. Standard tests will be performed to ensure the coating""s performance. PV devices with broadband AR coatings will be characterized, and compared with PV devices with traditional AR coatings. This Phase II""s effort will focus on the integration and space-qualification of broadband AR coatings onto high-efficiency solar cells for space applications. BENEFIT: The anticipated benefits of developing this technology include achieving record-level solar cell efficiency directly beneficial to satellite and space missions as well as contributing to our green energy initiative and our energy independence. Additionally, these coatings can be applied to numerous optical windows and sensors that require broadband AR coatings."
An additive manufacturing technology for the fabrication and characterization of nuclear reactor fuel,DE-SC0011954,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,Free Form Fibers,10 Cady Hill Boulevard,,Saratoga Springs,NY,12866-9045,No,No,No,Joseph Pegna,Dr.,5186900396,jpegna@fffibers.com,Joseph Pegna,Dr.,,jpegna@fffibers.com,"The Department of Energy (DOE) has been tasked by the US administration to give priority to developing enhanced fuels and cladding for Light Water Reactors to improve safety in the event of accidents in the reactor or spent fuel pools. Within this context, the DOE is calling for advanced technologies for the fabrication and characterization of nuclear fuel. Specifically, the DOE is inviting (1) new innovative LWR fuel concepts with a focus on improved performance under accident scenarios and (2) advanced automated, accurate, continuous vs. batch mode process techniques to improve TRISO particle fuel and compacts. In this proposal, Free Form Fibers seeks to integrate the concepts of micro-embedded TRISO-inspired nuclear fuel into the structural equivalent of LWR fuel rods so as to form passively safe, accident-tolerant fuel rods that would be drop-in substitute for current fuels. The proposed project is made possible by the confluence of advances in additive micro-fabrication that would not only transform TRISO fuel fabrication from batch to continuous manufacturing, but would also embed them in high temperature and radiation resistant Silicon Carbide. The proposed technology is expected to produce accident-tolerant fuel rods that can safely extend the life of LWR, reduce the fuel production costs, allow longer, deeper and more efficient fuel burns, and concomitantly reduce nuclear waste. The manufacturing innovations behind the proposed fuel rods is expected to reduce the cost of once- though nuclear fuel, while erecting technological barriers to reprocessing, recycling, and ultimately proliferation of nuclear materials."
High Temperature Survivability Coating Materials with Innovative Application Processes,N68335-14-C-0088,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,747197.00,MAST Technologies,6370 Nancy Ridge Drive,Suite 103,San Diego,CA,92121-,No,No,No,Michael Vanderby,Operations Manager,(858) 452-1700,m.vanderby@masttechnologies.com,Andrew Sundsmo,President,(858) 452-1700,a.sundsmo@masttechnologies.com,"NAVAIR SBIR Topic N101-041, Development of High Temperature Survivability Coating Materials with Innovative Application Processes, was initiated to address performance shortfalls in coating systems operating in moderate-high temperature environments. The objective was to develop high temperature survivability coating concepts for airframe integration with improved temperature capability and application processes. As a result of research conducted under this SBIR, numerous coating improvements have been achieved for long duration operation in the 350-500°F temperature range. The task to be executed under this contract is the development and demonstration of a family of high temperature survivability coating materials for potential application on emerging airframe platforms. The coating systems developed by MAST Technologies on this topic are anticipated to provide Operation and Sustainment (O & S) benefits. As a result of the improved physical properties of the developed materials, implementation of the materials is expected to result in reduced maintenance, improved reliability, and lower O & S costs."
Analytical Processes for Predicting Nanosecond Response of Highly Rate-Sensitive Materials,N00014-14-C-0060,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,499752.00,"Hi-Test Laboratories, Inc",P.O. Box 87,1104 Arvon Rd.,Arvonia,VA,23004-,No,No,Yes,Neil Stout,Counsel,(434) 581-3204,neil.stout@hitestlabs.com,Christopher Key,Senior Engineer,(307) 760-8799,chris.key@hitestlabs.com,"Ballistic and blast protection of both the crew and vital equipment onboard U.S. Navy surface ships and carriers is a critical component in the design of topside structures on these vessels. Materials such as glass, Plexiglas and polyurea are being considered and implemented for protection in these applications due to their low density and inherent damage mechanisms which absorb large amounts of energy under high-velocity impact or blast loading conditions. Likewise, these material systems are being used in layered or laminated configurations to exploit the benefits of each individual material. However, the ability to numerically simulate these materials constitutive and damage behavior does not readily exist in traditional analysis tools. Therefore, for this effort we have proposed to utilize and implement three new constitutive material models for conventional glass, PMMA, and polyurea/polyurethane. The material models will initially be implemented within the shock hydrocode CTH and will allow for more accurate simulation of ballistic impact events on the material systems of interest and also offer a more efficient armor system design approach."
Rapid Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Tool-path Programming,N00024-14-P-4553,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79496.00,Tucker Innovations,8525 Broxburn Lane,,Waxhaw,NC,28173-,No,No,No,Thomas Tucker,CEO,(704) 843-4026,tommy@tuckerinnovations.com,Thomas Tucker,CEO,(704) 843-4026,tommy@tuckerinnovations.com,"The proposal seeks to significantly automate the process of producing parts requiring multi-axis milling of sculpted surfaces as required by the Navy for hydro-shapes such as propellers. Harnessing recent university research involving the application of graphical processing units as inexpensive super-computing, a new subtractive 3D printing process will be applied. Phase I will work with the Navy to produce G-code mill programs in a format the Navy can import into third party CAM software packages. This unbiased verification will confirm to the Navy that the technology is suitable to its needs. A subsequent phase II effort would target the actual production of real parts via these mill programs as well as expansion of the automation to include part inspection."
Intelligent Ridesharing in Real-time,DTRT57-14-C-10003,DOT,DOT,SBIR,2014,2,750000.00,"Axiom xCell, Inc.",11118 Saunders Ct.,,San Diego,CA,92131-1312,No,No,No,Brett Toerien,President/CEO,(858) 243-7113,brett@axiomxcell.com,Brett Toerien,President/CEO,(858) 243-7113,brett@axiomxcell.com,"The development of a wireless mobile cloud platform that includes dynamic ride matching; utilizing in-vehicle systems and user interface; with supporting connectivity to social networks and HOV/HOT lane tolling infrastructure, will create a critical enhancement to enable an increase in ridesharing on the nation’s roadways.
The objective of this Phase II research project is the development of a working prototype that demonstrates the viability and interoperability of a mobile application that enables real-time ride matching and vehicle occupancy declaration to help facilitate more ridesharing and use of HOT lanes. The proposed solution integrates multiple
databases to generate rideshare partners in real-time, and unleashes new, innovative mechanisms for delivering incentives; it includes GPS; SMS; and detects and communicate reliable vehicle occupancy data with HOV/HOT
lanes tolling infrastructure. The work includes coordination with key stakeholders including toll authorities; state and local rideshare agency; in-vehicle platform provider and rideshare solutions providers. Emphasis will be placed on developing a smartphone app that can be commercialized and deployed for use throughout the nation."
SOLID-STATE HIGH-VOLTAGE PULSER FOR HPM APPLICATIONS,N00014-14-P-1057,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79377.00,Metamagnetics Inc.,480 Neponset Street,12B,Canton,MA,02021-1938,No,No,No,Elaine Trudell,President and COO,(781) 562-0756,etrudell@mtmgx.com,Anton Geiler,"Director, Research and Pr",(781) 562-1157,ageiler@mtmgx.com,"Metamagnetics proposes the research and development of a compact, reliable, cost-effective and reconfigurable pulsed-voltage source based on drift step recovery diodes (DSRD) for high-power microwave generation applications. The output parameters of the pulsed-voltage source determine the efficiency and agility in the use of electromagnetic spectrum and influence, among other factors, the operating frequency, bandwidth, and frequency dispersion of the HPM output of the system. The specific technology used to implement the pulsed-voltage source further affects the overall system size and weight. It is clear that in order to realize compact HPM systems that deliver a favorable combination of performance, size, weight, and power, the fundamental challenge of generating high-voltage pulses to drive these systems has to be addressed. Described herein, is a research and development program aimed at addressing the specific challenges of excitation of HPM sources through a combination theoretical and experimental effort aimed at advancing the state-of-the-art in Navy""s HPM capabilities."
Flexible Solid State High Power Radio Frequency Pulsed Source,N00014-14-P-1135,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79829.00,Metamagnetics Inc.,480 Neponset Street,12B,Canton,MA,02021-1938,No,No,No,Elaine Tudell,President and COO,(781) 562-0756,etrudell@mtmgx.com,Anton Geiler,"Director, R&D",(781) 562-1157,ageiler@mtmgx.com,"US Navy relies on directed energy (DE) weapons, such as High-Power Microwave (HPM) sources, to disrupt, damage, or destroy foe electronic equipment at a standoff distance while minimizing collateral damage. Friendly and blue force mission critical electronic systems, such as radar, communications, navigation, sensors, guidance, fire control, etc. are vulnerable to both friendly and enemy DE weapons. US Navy requires test capability to generate arbitrary HPM signals in order to both improve the effectiveness of its DE weapons against specific enemy targets and to reduce the susceptibility of friendly systems to foe DE attacks. We propose to address the Navy requirement for a flexible and efficient HPM test capability by leveraging our prior Navy-funded work and innovative concepts to develop a solid-state High-Power Radio-Frequency (HPRF) source based on a planar and modular Non-linear Transmission Line (NLTL) RF oscillator triggered through a ultra-fast stacked MOSFET high-voltage switch. The wavelet synthesis approach will be utilized to generate essentially arbitrarily shaped waveforms by adjusting relative delays and amplitudes among array elements."
MMIC Compatible High-power T/R switches based on Ultra-fast Broadband and Low-cost Novel Phase Change Materials,N00024-14-P-4540,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79471.00,Metamagnetics Inc.,480 Neponset Street,12B,Canton,MA,02021-1938,No,No,No,Elaine Trudell,President&COO,(781) 562-0756,etrudell@mtmgx.com,Andrew Daigle,Principal Engineer,(781) 562-0756,adaigle@mtmgx.com,"Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits realized on GaAs, GaN, InP, SiGe, and to a lesser extent Si are integral components of many deployed NAVY detect, control, and engagement systems due to their broad bandwidth, fast-response time, and small size (10 W)."
Novel Oxidizer for Ammonium Perchlorate Replacement,W31P4Q-14-C-0054,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,2,729839.00,NALAS Engineering Services Inc.,85 Westbrook Road,,Centerbrook,CT,06409-,Yes,No,No,Jerry Salan,CEO,(860) 581-8477,jerry.salan@nalasengineering.com,David Ende,Senior Technologist,(860) 581-8477,david.j.amende@nalasengineering.com,"The DoD requires an increase in performance and density of solid propellants for use on boost, strategic and tactical missile systems. Attaining ingredients with higher energy and density while simultaneously maintaining satisfactory physical properties is extremely challenging. Current low-cost oxidizer ingredients such as Ammonium Perchlorate (AP) are incapable of imparting the desired performance and insensitivity. Focused efforts are needed to identify, synthesize, and characterize new ingredient oxidizers that can be produced commercially at low-cost while meeting required attributes such as hazard classification, lifetime, cost, and performance. This proposed effort, lead by Nalas Engineering in collaboration with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Flanagan Research, focuses on synthesis, characterization, and testing of a novel caged nitramine coined Aurora to determine its viability as a propellant ingredient. In addition to the evaluation of Aurora, Nalas proposes revisiting existing oxidizers using cocrystallization technology. Thus Nalas proposes to synthesize and investigate cocrystals in propellant formulations."
Environmentally Friendly Alternative Synthesis and Process to Manufacture Cost-Effective Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20),N68936-14-C-0058,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79980.00,NALAS Engineering Services Inc.,85 Westbrook Road,,Centerbrook,CT,06409-,Yes,No,No,Shilpa Amato,Vice President,(860) 581-8477,shilpa.amato@nalasengineering.com,David Ford,Chemist,(860) 581-8477,david.ford@nalasengineering.com,"The treatment of glyoxal with benzyl amine or allyl amine towards the formation of the corresponding tetraazaisowurtzitane cage structure has established a cornerstone in the preparation of caged nitramines and has led to significant research aimed at converting these precursors into compounds of interest such as CL-20. Although a route based on benzyl amine was briefly employed in small commercial settings, severe problems have since forbid the use of this chemistry on large scale. An alternative route to CL-20 employing allyl amine as the ammonia surrogate has been developed and demonstrated by researchers at China Lake. Although these efforts have led to the validation of the chemistry at a lab scale, this sequence of reactions has shown potential to become commercially viable if given a thorough development and evaluation effort, which is the main focus of the proposed work."
Environmentally Friendly Alternative Synthesis and Process to Manufacture Cost-Effective Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20),N68936-14-C-0059,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79975.00,NALAS Engineering Services Inc.,85 Westbrook Road,,Centerbrook,CT,06409-,Yes,No,No,Shilpa Amato,Vice President,(860) 581-8477,shilpa.amato@nalasengineering.com,Pascal Dube,Senior Chemist,(860) 581-8477,pascal.dube@nalasengineering.com,Preparation of caged nitramines has led to significant research aimed at converting these precursors into compounds of interests such as CL-20. This unique ability highlights the fine balance required from electronic and steric contributions in the formation of the cage structure. We propose to develop a low-cost alternative synthesis of CL-20 based on gaining insight as to the nature of this fine balance.
Electronic Thermally Initiated Venting System (ETIVS) Trigger and Thermal Sensor,N68936-14-C-0085,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,80000.00,NALAS Engineering Services Inc.,85 Westbrook Road,,Centerbrook,CT,06409-,Yes,No,No,Shilpa Amato,Executive Vice President,(860) 581-8477,shilpa.amato@nalasengineering.com,Brian Amato,Chemical Engineer V,(860) 581-8477,brian.amato@nalasengineering.com,"Current Thermally Initiated Venting Systems (TIVS) consist of a thermal sensor, trigger, out-of-line blocking device, initiator, transfer energetic, and linear-shaped charge. TIVS reduce the reaction violence of munitions exposed to cook-off events by scoring the case of the rocket motor, not penetrating the case and igniting the propellant. The TIVS trigger should function when the rocket motor is placed in extreme temperature conditions that cause it to cook-off. Technologies needed to implement an ETIVS trigger and thermal sensor into a compact device capable of controlling the initiation of energetic materials are desired to increase the flexibility in application, safety and reliability of state-of-the-art ETIVS designs. Nalas proposes integration and implementation of advanced technologies to address the presented safety requirements and performance specifications. Use of thermoelectric generators (TEG) is proposed to serve as both an energy harvesting device and temperature sensor. The circuit will be designed to leverage power output and a second temperature monitoring device to enable thermal loading on the system to power the mitigation device. Modeling will be utilized to determine available power from TEGs located on the case system. Design considerations include requirements to meet form factor, withstand environmental conditions, and pass Insensitive Munitions testing"
"Compact, Low Power, and High Speed MEMS Mirror Based Laser Q-Switch",W909MY-14-C-0002,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,2,618305.00,"Mirrorcle Technologies, Inc.",2700 Rydin Road,Unit F,Richmond,CA,94804-,No,No,No,Veljko Milanovic,CEO,(510) 524-8820,veljko@mirrorcletech.com,Veljko Milanovic,CEO and Microsystems Engi,(510) 524-8820,veljko@mirrorcletech.com,"In this Phase II SBIR project, Mirrorcle Technologies Inc. (""MTI"") plans to build on the successes of the Phase I effort to develop a MEMS-mirror based Q-switch technology to address one important item in the U.S. Army need for better and less costly laser range-finders. Additional military applications include scanned LADAR, target designators, and others. Q-switching lasers with similar designs are utilized in industrial and commercial products for laser marking, laser processing, tattoo and hair removal, etc. The goal of the R & D effort is to design and manufacture Q-switches that are smaller, less lossy and less power-consuming, by extending MTI""s existing MEMS technology. Resulting Q-switches will not only perform better, but will be less costly because they can be batch fabricated on silicon wafers. In Phase I, MTI focused on achieving a thorough understanding of overall requirements and trade-offs for an""eye-safe""1535nm Er:glass laser which must provide on-demand pulse firing. A prototype Q-switch with a fully functioning dielectric-coated mirror device and a USB Controller hardware and software was completed and delivered for tests. Phase II research will focus on producing a large number of prototypes with improved design to meet all target specifications, and to demonstrate performance and reliability."
Advanced Littoral Combat Ship Common Mission Module Handling Device,N00024-14-P-4034,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79962.00,"Quantum Engineering Design, Inc.",30487 Peterson Road,,Corvallis,OR,97333-,No,No,No,Michael Plackett,Chief Executive Officer,(541) 929-2676,plackmj@peak.org,Michael Plackett,Chief Executive Officer,(541) 929-2676,plackmj@peak.org,"The Quantum Engineering Design, Inc. (QED) Mission Module Handling Device (MMHD) is designed to meet the Navys requirements of minimizing the deck point loading while lifting and omni-directionally maneuvering ISO containers and Twenty foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) aboard both the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Freedom and Independence class of vessel. Special attention is paid to the need for operating the MMHD within the confines of ships decks that have extremely tight overhead and lateral clearances. The design approach reflects the need for minimizing the number of personnel required to safely operate and manage the MMHD including missions where the LCS may be operating in elevated sea state conditions. The MMHD design approach enables ISO containers and flat-rack type TEUs with overhanging payloads to be safely handled at all up weights exceeding the threshold called for in the RFP. The QED - MMHD design reflects the need to minimize the weight and volume of the system for stowage aboard the LCS and the goals to meet the lowest possible life-cycle costs. The Phase I program includes a focused trade study to select the optimum means of powering the MMHD and enabling progressive technology upgrades to enhance the systems automated capabilities."
Advanced Breakwater And Causeway Ultramarine System (ABACUS) Development,N00014-14-C-0224,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,2985795.00,"Quantum Engineering Design, Inc.",30487 Peterson Road,,Corvallis,OR,97333-,No,No,No,Michael Plackett,Chief Executive Officer,(541) 929-2676,plackmj@peak.org,Michael Plackett,Chief Executive Officer,(541) 929-2676,plackmj@peak.org,"Expansion of the Advanced Breakwater And Causeway Ultramarine System (ABACUS) research and development work accomplished under the Phase II Basic and Options 1 & 2 programs to full scale prototype systems and large scale demonstration models for both Seabasing and ship-to-shore logistics support operations. The ABACUS family of systems support a) the mitigation of waves about Sealift ships at the Seabase to enhance personnel safety during cargo transfer to ship-to-shore connectors, b) the lifting and omni-directional maneuvering of a broad range of deck cargos to enhance throughput and c) the enhancement of ABACUS components to meet multiple Seabasing mission requirements. The QED teams technical approach is based upon carefully defining the overall Seabasing ship-to-shore requirement, identifying those areas where safety issues and throughput bottlenecks occur, and developing concepts that can solve those problems. Having identified the problem areas and proposed solution, the QED team moves rapidly to design and fabricate Proof-of-Concept (PoC) demonstrators at either large-scale model or, as appropriate, full scale to test these concepts in real world operational environments."
Active Motion-Compensation Technology for Roll-On/Roll-Off Cargo Vessel Discharge to Floating Platforms,N00024-14-C-4066,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,749986.00,"Quantum Engineering Design, Inc.",30487 Peterson Road,,Corvallis,OR,97333-,No,No,No,Michael Plackett,Chief Executive Officer,(541) 929-2676,plackmj@peak.org,Michael Plackett,Chief Executive Officer,(541) 929-2676,plackmj@peak.org,The QED team proposes to study an active motion compensation platform supported by a self-contained air cushion system. The Phase II study will evaluate the ability of the'Ramp Motion Control Platform'(RMCP) to support and control the LMSR stern ramp through a range of elevated sea state conditions while maintaining its structural integrity within safe limits. The study will focus on the sensing and actuation systems design and the development of appropriate algorithms for determining the safe operating load on the LMSR ramp structure in the dynamic environment in relation to its rated capacity. A large-scale model of the RMCP mounted on an INLS/RRDF platform along with similarly scaled and instrumented models of the LMSR stern ramp will be tested on both a purpose built 3-DOF test apparatus and in a wave tank test facility. The capability of the RMCP to safely support the transit of vehicles from the ships ramp to the RRDF platform will be evaluated under a broad range of ship and platform motions. The data from these tests along with test data correlation analysis will provide the necessary confidence to move to a full-scale proof-of-concept demonstration under the Phase II Option 1 program.
Expert System Simulation Capability for Recoverability Modeling,N00024-14-C-4097,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,1101767.00,"Test & Evaluation Solutions, LLC",400 Holiday Court,Suite 204,Warrenton,VA,20186-,No,No,No,Daniel Foos,Managing Member,(703) 304-5068,dfoos@tnesolutions.com,Derek Skahen,Principal Investigator,(703) 966-5319,dskahen@tnesolutions.com,"Recent events such as the fire on the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON have shown that communications and decision making can have a dominant impact on scenario outcomes involving shipboard fires. The processes by which information is learned, disseminated, assembled, and processed have a direct effect on where, when, and what kind of response is mounted by the crew. Current recoverability simulations, such as the Integrated Recoverability Model (IRM) are able to realistically emulate the interaction and dependencies of ship""s systems, initial systems configuration(s), structural and equipment damage from weapon effects, fire, flooding, and stability. The IRM is also able to simulate crew actions over time, but provides overly optimistic predictions of crew actions. Test & Evaluation Solutions, LLC, in partnership with Hughes Associates, Inc. proposes to address the crew behavior limitations of the IRM by developing a crew behavior module that works with the IRM Simulator and existing fire and flooding modules."
Adaptive Diesel Engine Control Via Variable Valve Timing,M67854-14-C-6526,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79776.00,ELECTRO-MECHANICAL ASSOCIATES,3744 PLAZA DR,,ANN ARBOR,MI,48108-1665,No,No,No,Kevin Morrison,Vice President,(734) 995-2455,kmatema@hotmail.com,George Schwartz,Vice President,(734) 995-2455,gschwartz@electro-mechanical.net,"Diesel engines are widely used in military and commercial vehicles, as well as some light duty vehicles. The compression ratio is a compromise between power, economy, and cold startability. The optimum ratio for economy is below 15:1, whereas the necessary compression ratio for cold starting ranges from 16 to 22:1 depending on the specific engine design. This is too high for best economy and optimum boost. The proposal objective is to demonstrate a combination of simple mechanisms designed for the Caterpillar C-12 to improve fuel economy particularly during idle as well as improve engine power output. The technology will include varying the compression ratio between high (for cold starting) and low (for warmed-up running). Minimal or no engine block modifications are anticipated. The work proposed is to demonstrate hardware viability in a bench test rig as well as estimate/model fuel economy and power improvement from the proposed technology. For the SBIR OPTION, a system will be installed on one cylinder of a multi-cylinder engine and motoring tests run to demonstrate effectiveness."
Persistent Anchorless Active Sonar Craft (PAASC),N00014-14-C-0121,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,500063.00,"Liquid Robotics, Inc.",1329 Moffett Park Dr.,,Sunnyvale,CA,94089-,No,No,No,Steven Springsteel,COO and CFO,(408) 636-4200,contracts@liquidr.com,Timothy Ong,VP Mechanical Engineering,(408) 636-4200,tim.ong@liquidr.com,"The Persistent Anchorless Active Sonar Craft (PAASC) system is a unique approach to Naval ASW that achieves 90-day mission endurance carrying a state-of-the-art active sonar (DWADS) in a deep water operating area. The PAASC achieves this unparalleled endurance via an efficient balance between wave- and solar-energy-harvesting and fossil-fuel-based power generation and reduces the overall size, weight, and shipboard footprint of the system in comparison to a fossil-fuel only design."
Decision Support for Anomaly Detection and Recovery for Unmanned System (ADRUS),N00014-14-C-0279,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,2,999705.00,Knexus Research Corp.,9120 Beachway Lane,,Springfield,VA,22153-,No,Yes,No,Kalyan Gupta,President,(855) 569-7373,kalyan.gupta@knexusresearch.com,Kalyan Gupta,President,(855) 569-7373,kalyan.gupta@knexusresearch.com,"Deployment of unmanned systems continues to expand across a wide range of missions; for example, logistics and resupply missions, force application and protection, and improving battlespace awareness. Presently these unmanned systems run at the lowest of four possible levels of autonomy, that is, in a teleoperated mode, and each system typically requires multiple operators. To address this problem of operator scalability, investigations into approaches for human supervised autonomy were called for in this SBIR. In Phase I, we took a step toward addressing this capability gap by developing a decision support system for Anomaly Detection and Recovery of Unmanned Systems (ADRUS). In particular, we demonstrated that ADRUS could successfully handle unexpected events or anomalies and replan to recover from them. Our demonstration included a proof-of-concept prototype implementation and its performance in simulated logistics and resupply missions. In Phase II, we will continue algorithmic development of anomaly detection, mission risk analysis, and replanning reasoning services to meet the performance requirements of our target transition environments. Our approaches and extensions will include methods for improving reasoning accuracies, model coverage and fidelity, as well as the ability to learn and improve knowledge models by exploiting operator interactions and decisions data. We will implement and evaluate progressively mature versions of ADRUS throughout the performance period. We will conduct repeated tests and evaluations (T & E) in simulation using realistic models of target unmanned platforms. Based on T & E, we will characterize the robustness, scalability, and coverage of ADRUS. In addition, we will evaluate the operational effectiveness resulting from human supervisory control enabled by ADRUS. For these evaluations, we will engage application subject matter experts (SME) and operators from candidate transition programs. We have initiated discussions with prime performers from target programs developing these unmanned platforms and we will develop our transition requirements accordingly."
Broadband High Operating Temperature Strained Layer Superlattice Focal Plane Arrays (FPA),FA9453-14-C-0032,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,749990.00,SK Infrared LLC,Lobo Venture Lab 801 University Blvd Ste 100,,Albuquerque,NM,87106-4345,Yes,No,Yes,Sanchita Krishna,Chief Scientific Officer,(505) 453-3349,sanchita@skinfrared.com,David Ramirez,Research Scientist,(505) 256-5198,dramirez@skinfrared.com,"ABSTRACT: The objective of the overall SBIR program is to develop a high performance mid-format (512 x 512, with 30 micron pitch) broad-band mid-wave (MW, 5 micron cut-off wavelength at 200K) infrared (IR) focal plane arrays (FPAs) using InAs/GaSb strained layer superlattices (SLS). SKINfrared LLC (SKI), a spin-off from the Krishna Infrared Detector (KIND) Nanostructures laboratory at the University of New Mexico (www.chtm.unm.edu/kind) will team up with Raytheon Vision Systems (RVS) to deliver a MWIR FPA to Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for the evaluation at the end of the two year project. BENEFIT: InAs/GaSb SLS have emerged as a disruptive technology in the past five years. Broadband higher operating temperature detectors provide additional functionality for surveillance, space situational awareness and reconnaissance missions. The partner on this proposal, RVS has significant experience in technology development for next generation of large format infrared focal plane arrays (IRFPA) to develop the best solution for ballistic missile intercept systems such as SM-3 (IIA and future upgrades). These new IRFPAs are designed to provide improved system capabilities such as enhanced imaging for target discrimination, signature recognition, countermeasure, and clutter rejection. This effort can therefore provide risk reduction to current HgCdTe FPA approaches and be seamlessly inserted into future RVS IR & D demonstration activities. Most importantly, the results of this work can be directly communicated to AFRL customers to facilitate technology insertion possibilities. During the proposed Phase II effort RVS is therefore in a position to accurately assess and quantify the performance of the SKI MWIR 512x512 pBiBn FPAs against the benchmark of existing SM-3 performance requirements and incumbent HgCdTe large-format MWIR FPA technology that is currently being developed at RVS."
High Specific Activity Sn-117m by Post Irradiation Isotope Separation,DE-SC0011234,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149800.00,IsoTherapeutics Group LLC,1004 S. Velasco,,Angleton,TX,77515-5250,No,No,No,R. K. Frank,Dr.,9798480800,keithfrank@isotherapeutics.com,John D&apos;Auria,Dr.,9798480800,dauria@sfu.ca,"The radioisotope tin-117m (117mSn) is a theranostic isotope that is suitable for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Its low energy gamma rays can be imaged using standard gamma cameras. For therapy its short-range ( & lt;300 micron) conversion electrons minimize damage to healthy tissue. These emissions, along with its 13.6-day half-life, make tin-117m of interest in a variety of biomedical applications, including several in the fields of oncology and cardiology. While tin-117m can be produced through a variety of methods, there are limiting factors that must be addressed in order to facilitate drug development and commercialization efforts. Tin-117m can be produced in large quantities in reactors; however, the low ( & lt;20 Ci/g) specific activity (SA) product is not suitable for many clinical applications. For example in receptor-targeted therapies, where there are a limited number of receptor sites, mid SA ( & gt;100 Ci/g) and/or high SA ( & gt;1,000 Ci/g) material is required. High SA material is available using accelerator-based production methods, but the small number of suitable accelerators limits quantities available to less than a few Ci per week. Expected future commercial demands will likely require tens of Ci per week of mid and high SA material. Meeting the anticipated need can only be realized with the construction of many costly new accelerators or with a new approach for producing mid and high SA material. Our goal in this project is to determine the technical and economic feasibility of producing mid and high SA tin-117m by electromagnetic (EM) mass separation of readily available low SA reactor-produced material. EM mass separation is used in the production of enriched stable isotopes; however, the successful development of an economically viable EM facility for the production of short-lived medical isotopes presents new challenges. Primary issues involve ion source performance and overall process efficiency. Phase I will focus on issues related to ion source and process development. We aim to intensively study ion source performance in order to determine the optimal combination of feedstock material (e.g. metal or chloride) and ion source. In addition, we intend to measure efficiency of key process steps that influence total production yields and economics. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Given the excellent nuclear properties of tin-117m and its potential use as a theranostic isotope, the commercial prospects are outstanding. With the development of a technique to produce the desired specific activity levels, these prospects would be realized. The ultimate objective is to develop and deploy a commercially viable Therapeutic Isotope Separator Facility in partnership with stakeholders. This effort would support drug development efforts that could lead to important patient benefits."
SATCOM Wideband Digital Channelized Receiver System-on-Chip (SoC) with Low-cost Silicon Technology,FA8650-14-M-1779,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149996.00,CreoNex Systems Inc.,"2625 Townsgate Road, Suite 330",,Westlake Village,CA,91361-,No,No,No,Charles Chien,President,(805) 558-9687,cchien@creonexsystems.com,Charles Chien,President,(805) 558-9687,cchien@creonexsystems.com,"ABSTRACT: Recent demand for broadband satellite communications (SATCOM) has risen sharply for both the defense and commercial sectors. Tactical SATCOM, such as WGS, AEHF, and GBS, require increasingly high capacity to support DoD's C4ISR requirements, while on the other hand, civilian applications require high capacity to support high definition multimedia broadcasting, and high-speed internet access. To support the increasing demand in capacity, SATCOM payloads must provide wideband transponders to allow SATCOM terminals to communicate over multiple beams and multiple bands with channelized fan-out multicast and fan-in aggregation capabilities. In this SBIR, a low-cost, dual-band uplink receiver will be developed for the RF downconversion, digitization, and channelization of uplink SATCOM signals. The receiver will be radiation hardened to support a geosynchronous payload with a 15-year mission with total ionizing dose of 30 krad(Si). BENEFIT: The proposed work will significantly reduce the SWaP of SATCOM payloads while enabling higher capacity SATCOM networks."
"Development of light-weight, low-cost and high specific power organic solar modules with high radiation hardness",FA9453-14-M-0010,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,150000.00,Solarmer Energy Inc.,3445 Fletcher Avenue,,El Monte,CA,-,No,No,No,Woolas Drewluwanhsieh,President,(626) 456-8089,woolash@solarmer.com,Yue Wu,VP of Technology Development,(626) 456-8090,yuew@solarmer.com,"ABSTRACT: Solar arrays play a key role in the operation of spacecrafts and unmanned aerial vehicles. Traditionally, inorganic semiconductor based solar arrays have been used for space applications because of their highest efficiencies. However, these solar arrays have several major limitations like extremely high cost, low specific power and large stowage volume. Organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules offer a better alternative for space applications that need high specific power. OPV are low-cost, ultra lightweight, flexible, and can be made by a roll-to-roll process on flexible substrates. Also, due to their superior flexibility and rollability, OPV require a minimum of stowage space and can be inflated or unrolled for deployment. In this project, Solarmer Energy, in partnership with University of California, Los Angeles, and Analytical Mechanics Associates, proposes to develop lightweight, ultra-high power density OPV modules for space applications. At the end of the Phase I, the team will deliver flexible large area OPV modules (100 sq cm) with specific power density greater than 300 Watts/kg, module efficiency of 5%, and bend radius less than 1.5 inches. A deployment design will also be delivered for application of OPV modules in space. BENEFIT: This project will have significant educational, societal and scientific benefits. Solarmer""s collaboration with UCLA provides financial support for graduate students, and supports the development of clean energy technologies. Solarmer is a member of FlexTech Alliance, a center supported by the U.S. Army Research Lab, which is devoted to fostering the growth, profitability and success of the flexible, printed electronics supply chain. The U.S. currently lags behind Europe and Asia in deployment of printed electronics technology. The proposed project will accelerate the developments in OPV and will enable the manufacturing of the low cost solar cells leading to a homegrown clean energy manufacturing. One of the major societal benefits is the much needed jobs creation, especially in clean energy manufacturing. An OPV manufacturing plant will create about 100-200 new jobs, in addition to the hundreds of new jobs in related R & D, production development and system integration. Another important benefit of using OPV is the impact on the environment. Each 100 MW of installed OPV panels will save 80,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year. Each 100 MW of OPV will also replace 300 tons of batteries that are discarded from portable electronics. In the long term, OPV aim to achieve grid parity with conventional power by 2017 and will truly revolutionize U.S. power infrastructure. Solarmer""s OPV modules are ideal for defense applications such as spacecrafts and UAVs for military operations, surveillance and reconnaissance. OPV can greatly improve the range and flight duration of UAVs by supplying additional power. Other military applications include portable solar chargers for soldiers for powering weapons, radios and GPS equipment in remote locations. OPV can reduce the weight of the batteries that a soldier needs to carry by up to fifty percent and allow troops to spend more time away from their bases."
SpectroCCD X-ray Camera for energy dispersive spectrometers,DE-SC0011269,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,"Sydor Instruments, LLC",291 Millstead Way,,Rochester,NY,14624-5101,No,No,No,Mark Katafiaz,Mr.,5852781168,mark@sydorinstruments.com,Jaime Farrington,Dr.,5852781168,jaimef@sydorinstruments.com,"Worldwide there are a number of synchrotron beamlines dedicated to resonant soft x-ray inelastic scattering. There are also new beamlines currently being designed to take advantage of improved third generation synchrotron radiation sources and this powerful experimental technique for probing electronic structure. These beamlines utilize energy dispersive spectrometers and share a common need for advanced detectors that can provide better energy resolution. An energy dispersive spectrometer disperses an incident x-ray beam in such a way as to translate each x-ray energy into a corresponding position on the resulting beam. Thus, in these spectrometers energy resolution is dependent on the position resolution of the detectors used. Current state of the art detectors provide position resolution of ~25 m to 40 m. This either limits the resolvable energy resolution and/or requires long complex spectrometers to achieve the desired resolution. Sydor Instruments, in collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) will demonstrate the feasibility of a novel direct-detection, soft x-ray imaging camera with 5 to 10 times better position resolution that the current state of the art. During Phase I, a prototype will be developed and used to demonstrate performance using soft x-rays from an existing beamline. In parallel, efforts will focus on the commercial engineering needed to transition the concepts demonstrated in the laboratory to the point that commercial detectors can be produced and made available to a broad community of researchers in order to support fundamental energy science. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Detectors resulting from this program will significantly improve the ability to precisely characterize atomic structures which will in turn provide considerable benefits in terms of discovery and new material science. These detectors will be especially beneficial in any sort of soft x-ray spectroscopic diagnostic. Commercial embodiments of this technology will result in better resolution for existing beamlines and enable shorter (more economical) beamlines for the future. In addition, this fine pitch detector holds promise for developing bench-top-scale spectrographs with unprecedented spectrographic x-ray resolution for industrial laboratory markets."
HERMES-Based X-Ray Strip Detector,DE-SC0004611,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,2,833000.00,"Sydor Instruments, LLC",291 Millstead Way,,Rochester,NY,14624-5101,No,No,No,Mark Katafiaz,Mr.,,mark@sydorinstruments.com,Yoram Fisher,Mr.,5852781168,yoram@sydorinstruments.com,"The effectiveness of synchrotron radiation science is being hindered by the limited availability of advanced detectors. This is due to the limited deployment of existing detectors as well as limited development effort to provide new advanced capabilities. As synchrotron radiation experiments become more sophisticated, advanced detectors will be necessary to leverage the capabilities of the beamlines and enable discovery. A novel microstrip detector prototyped by a national laboratory has proven to be highly effective at acquiring data with the count rates, energy resolution and spatial resolution needed for complex x-ray studies. The fast position-sensitive strip-array detector enables real-time, microsecond timescale study of phase transformations and reactions as a function of temperature, chemical gradients, and pressure. In these applications the intensity can vary over several orders of magnitude over a very small angular range and detectors capable of accurately measuring these large variations are critical. The overall objective of this SBIR program is to leverage the DOEs investment in detector technology that far too often lies locked up in laboratories. The proposed effort will complete the technology transfer of a laboratory-conceived microstrip detector thus making it readily available to a broad community of researchers worldwide. Phase I addressed several impediments to the widespread deployment of the detector and demonstrated the feasibility of a design that increases its utility and reduces cost of ownership. The Phase I conceptual design became the roadmap for transitioning the initial laboratory-built prototype into a robust and reliable commercial instrument. Phase II accomplished the research and engineering needed to produce an advanced engineering prototype of that conceptual design. In addition, the prototype contained several advanced features that improve performance and ease integration. Phase IIB is designed to complete the transition and position the technology for immediate commercial deployment. Further advancements will be made in terms of manufacturability, component-level qualification, system testing, and a more universally compatible software interface. Two pre-production prototypes will be constructed and made available to participating scientists for evaluation in target market applications. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The commercial deployment of the of this detector will enable researchers to advance discovery by providing an instrument that significantly speeds up the data gathering process as compared to present techniques. By acquiring data simultaneously at many points, the quality and quantity of data will be improved 100-fold from the current state of the art. These detectors will benefit a wide range of applications ranging from structure-based drug design to environmental remediation of contamination sites to new discoveries in nanoscale material science."
"Bench to pilot scale prototype for electrospinning biorenewable chitin sorbents for uranium from seawater: Process development, cost, and environmental analysis",DE-SC0010152,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,2,1498846.00,"525 Solutions, Inc.",720 2nd Street,,Tuscaloosa,AL,35487-0204,No,No,No,Gabriela Gurau,Dr.,,gabriela.gurau@525solutions.com,Gabriela Gurau,Dr.,2052390892,gabriela.gurau@525solutions.com,"525 Solutions will manufacture highly economical and biodegradable uranium-from-seawater sorbents from fishing industry waste, and provide them to government-designated mining companies, at the same time leveraging the governmental funds to create a sustainable chitin products business, enabling economic growth and job creation in both the chitin products and fishing industries."
Improved Turbo/Superchargers for UAS/UGS Application,FA8650-14-M-2471,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,1,149857.00,Brayton Energy,75B Lafayette Road,,Hampton,NH,03842-2624,No,No,No,Emily Lafferty,Business Manager,(603) 601-0450,emily.lafferty@braytonenergy.com,Jim Kesseli,President,(603) 601-0450,kesseli@braytonenergy.com,"Brayton Energy is a developer of turbomachinery systems, specializing in gas turbines, turbojets, turbochargers, and turbo-compounding equipment. In the proposed program, Brayton will design and bench-test the critical elements of novel single-shaft turbocharger with integral motor/alternator capability, including its air bearing system. The proposed variant on turbo-compounding enables motor-assisted""super-charging""for take-off and dash conditions, and electrical power extraction during cruise for auxiliary loads. The very light-weight high-speed alternator will off-set the need for the heavier low-speed alternator and power take-off (PTO) system on the piston engine. A single shaft turbomachine will operate on air bearings. Brayton and the University of Texas Arlington will collaborate on the air bearings, employing the principles of a design which our teams co-developed and tested between 2011 and 2013. In furthering the objectives towards longevity and light-weight, Brayton brings the experience of our silicon nitride radial turbine and volute to the project. This is partially relevant to the very high exhaust temperature of certain rotary engines."
3 kW Lightweight Efficient Generator,W56KGU-14-C-0018,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,2,499996.00,"NOVATIO Engineering, Inc",9 A St,,Belmont,MA,02478-,No,No,No,Mimmo Elia,Principal,(617) 440-4410,melia@novatioengineering.com,Jason Targoff,Principal,(617) 440-4410,jtargoff@novatioengineering.com,"At NOVATIO Engineering, our solution to this problem is practical, novel, proven at a smaller scale and now demonstrated at the 3 kW size range: conversion of a commercial lightweight gasoline generator to operate with diesel fuel or JP-8 in spark ignition mode. Prior to this Phase I SBIR effort, with the help of CERDEC funding, Novatio had developed and demonstrated a JP-8/DF-2-fueled 750W prototype based on the Honda EU1000i inverter gen-set. The enabling technology is a patented, low cost, compact and efficient system that can produce a conditioned on-demand stream of JP-8 fuel ready for operating with a standard lightweight Otto cycle (spark ignited) engine."
Design Automation Software for Biomimetic Surface Presentation with DNA Origami,W911SR-14-C-0018,DOD,CBD,SBIR,2014,2,999970.00,"Parabon NanoLabs, Inc.",11260 Roger Bacon Drive,Suite 406,Reston,VA,-,No,No,No,Paula Gawthorp-Armentrout,Corporate Secretary,(703) 689-9689,parmentrout@parabon.com,Steven Armentrout,Co-Founder&CEO,(703) 689-9689,steve@parabon.com,"A development program is proposed for a design automation software package that enables the generation of complex surfaces, with user defined or automated definition of point charge and hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties, using DNA origami as a presentation substrate. Building upon Parabon""s existing software for DNA origami design, this project will result in software that can be used to design and optimize DNA origami modifications to achieve target charge and hydration force distributions. The objects to be generated with this software will be able to mimic any of the many surface/surface interactions found in biological or technological applications. Such design software will significantly expand the capabilities of users to produce systems that are capable of highly specific interactions with target macromolecular species. The design software will enable designers to compose designs from well-understood design motifs, and to manipulate designs at varying levels of abstraction, resulting in significant improvements in designer productivity as well as design quality. The software developed under this project will also employ emerging user interface technology to ease the interaction with 3D design objects and to support additional pathways to convey important design information."
Porphyrin-DNA Origami Constructs as Bioscavengers for Organophosphates,W911SR-14-C-0033,DOD,CBD,SBIR,2014,1,100000.00,"Parabon NanoLabs, Inc.",11260 Roger Bacon Drive,Suite 406,Reston,VA,-,No,No,No,Paula Gawthorp-Armentrout,VP&Corporate Officer,(703) 689-9689,parmentrout@parabon.com,David Danley,"VP, Vaccine Development",(703) 689-9689,dave@parabon.com,"The recent use of organophosphate (OP) nerve agents against combatants and civilians in Syria has validated the importance of developing new drugs and biologics that sequester and catalytically degrade organophosphate (OP) nerve agents in the body before they cause morbidity and mortality. We propose to develop a method for the sequestration of OP simulants via porphyrin-DNA constructs. Constructs will be designed and synthesized based upon published approaches and molecular modeling and will be compatible with integration into DNA origami. The DNA origami, in turn, can be modified to meet CBD14-104 requirements for extended serum half-life, lyophilization, and stable shelf life, but equally important, is their biocompatibility, ability to incorporate other constructs for nerve agent sequestration, and ease of production. Successful demonstration of the proposed approach offers the opportunity for development of a novel biopharmaceutical(s) to protect military personnel against OP nerve agents and toxic industrial chemicals."
Multi Band SAL Seeker Read Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC),N00014-14-C-0297,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,499916.00,Privatran,1250 Capital of Texas Highway South,"Building 3, Suite 400",Austin,TX,78746-,No,No,No,Glenn Mortland,President / CEO,(512) 633-3476,gmortland@austin.rr.com,Burt Fowler,Principal Investigator,(512) 431-8460,burt.fowler@earthlink.net,"PrivaTran proposes to develop a semi-active laser (SAL) receiver read-out integrated circuit (ROIC) with interface to government furnished equipment (GFE) sensor arrays for advanced dual-band SAL receiver systems. Large-area focal plane array (FPA) technology and the PrivaTran ROIC provide high timing accuracy, use of both eye-hazardous and eye-safe lasers, precision guidance, improved weapons delivery accuracy, higher resistance to false targets, enhanced jammer discrimination, and increased overall weapon systems effectiveness while maintaining the same active area as conventional quad-cell systems in a low cost, strap down sensor design. The ROIC provides high-bandwidth sample-and-hold to capture pulse-shape data with enhanced resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The advanced sampling circuit allows pulses to be captured while simultaneously reading the data buffer, resulting in no sampling dead time. These features allow relative range imaging for improved discrimination of false targets such as fog, smoke and other reflections that can cause targeting errors in urban battle field conditions, leading to improved targeting, better friend-versus-foe identification, designator flexibility, and superior jammer resistance."
Radiation Hard Interceptor Components Test Methods for Missile Defense,HQ0147-14-C-7054,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2014,2,495860.00,"nLogic, LLC",4901 Corporate Drive,Suite H,Huntsville,AL,35805-,No,No,No,Tim Thornton,CEO/President,(256) 704-2524,tim.thornton@nlogic.com,Neil Miller,Research Engineer,(256) 704-2521,neil.miller@nlogic.com,"We will develop test methods to assess the performance of Missile Defense interceptors and space sensors in the presence of natural and man-made radiation environments. By augmenting an existing hardware-in-the-loop facility, radiation environment testing is accomplished through an incremental, cost-effective manner. This provides a significant savings over the development of a new testing facility devoted exclusively to radiation environment testing. This project expands the technology base to support development of future interceptor upgrades to provide reliable operation against evolving threats and countermeasures from adversarial nations. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-8017 (16 October 14)."
Autonomous Sensing and Deciding Framework Processor,FA8750-14-C-0265,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,2,500000.00,"User Systems, Incorporated","2137 Defense Highway, Suite 12",,Crofton,MD,21114-,No,No,No,Kancham Chotoo,Vice President,(410) 451-6799,kchotoo@usersystems.com,Kancham Chotoo,Vice President,(410) 451-6799,kchotoo@usersystems.com,"User Systems, Inc (USI) is developing the Unusual Activity or Inactivity Detector (UAID) to automatically search a time series of SAR imagery of a given location to find areas of interest. Changes between consecutive image pairs and movers in the scene ar"
Accommodation integrated technology to minimize the impact of disability on students' assessment,H133S140102,ED,ED,SBIR,2014,2,574996.00,3-C Institute for Social Development (DBA 3C Institute),"1901 N. Harrison Avenue, Suite 200",,Cary,NC,27513-5597,Yes,No,No,Brian J. Bard,Program Specialist,(202) 245-7345,brian.bard@ed.gov,Janey S. McMillen,Chief Scientific Officer,(443) 799-8881,jpoduska@air.org,"There is growing interest in computerized systems to increase accessibility
of assessments for students with disabilities. Technology offers an ideal platform for implementing Universal Design (UD) principles for assessment to better accommodate student diversity and support broad student participation. The goal of this Phase II SBIR project is to continue the research and development of Assess2Progress: an innovative, easy-to-use, and secure web-based system that integrates Universal Design principles for assessment, allowing K-5th grade teachers to independently create assessments of any type in any subject area and deploy that assessment to one or more students with embedded text-to-speech functions, audio controls, and visual accommodations. During Phase II, we will accomplish four technical objectives. First, we will complete development of a fully functioning software system with tailored teacher and student user interfaces. Second, we will conduct pre-pilot usability testing with K-5th grade students and teachers. Third, we will conduct field testing to pilot the full product with K-5th grade students and teachers in authentic educational settings. The fourth and final objective will
be preparing the Assess2Progress system for commercial dissemination."
Interactive e-learning to promote successful postsecondary employment outcomes for students with intellectual disabilities,H133S140039,ED,ED,SBIR,2014,1,74995.00,3-C Institute for Social Development (DBA 3C Institute),"1901 N. Harrison Avenue, Suite 200",,Cary,NC,27513-5597,Yes,No,No,Brian J. Bard,Program Specialist,(202) 245-7345,brian.bard@ed.gov,Debra Childress,Senior Research Associate,(919) 677-0102,childress@3cisd.com,"Employment is essential for helping individuals with intellectual disabilities achieve independence, financial security, and self-sufficiency to be active members in the community as well as foster a higher quality of life more generally. However, only 25% of individuals with intellectual disabilities are employed two years after high school. Utilizing 3C’s proprietary dynamic e-learning platform, the goal of this SBIR project is to create the first selfpaced, adaptive job skills intervention designed specifically to meet the learning styles and social-emotional needs of students with intellectual disabilities. The proposed end product, W.O.R.K (Web-based Occupational Resource Kit), will enhance students’ preparedness for postsecondary employment, optimizing likelihood of success in the workforce following
completion of high school. During Phase I, we will accomplish three technical objectives. First, we will develop a fully functioning software prototype with tailored educator and student user interfaces. Second, we will conduct feasibility testing with educators who are likely purchasers and/or users of the end product with students with disabilities to examine the feasibility and
potential value of the W.O.R.K. product within authentic special education settings. Third, we will conduct usability testing of the prototype with secondary students with intellectual disabilities to ensure the prototype functions as intended."
Physiologically Compatible Hemodialysis through Advanced Dialysate Regeneration,H133S140070,ED,ED,SBIR,2014,1,74999.00,"Chemica Technologies, Inc",2611 SW Third Ave STE250F,,Portlnd,OR,97201-4957,No,No,No,Brian J. Bard,Program Specialist,(202) 245-7345,brian.bard@ed.gov,Takuji Tsukamoto,,(503) 352-0262,taku@chemica.com,"The uremic syndrome is a disabling condition attributed to the progressive
retention of solutes that would normally be excreted by the kidneys and which interact negatively with physiological systems/functions. These are broadly defined as uremic toxins. Hemodialysis treatment is prescribed for the majority of individuals in the final stages of renal failure. However, better dialysis options (length, frequency and location) are needed to enable individuals with this disability to work and engage in activities in their communities. With the
goal of creating an advanced, portable hemodialysis system based on an innovative dialysate regeneration system, the investigators will use various surface chemistry techniques to develop an adsorption system effective for regenerating spent dialysate containing a wide spectrum of uremic toxins AND maintain nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins and essential ions. The
technical objectives in the Phase I program are: 1) Design, Preparation and Characterization of the Advanced DRS; 2) Performance Characterization of the Advanced DRS for Uremic Toxin Clearance; 3) Efficacy and Safety Test on DRC Housing the Advanced DRS; 4) Summary of Phase I Program. The challenge in this Phase I project will be identifying an adequate balance between the degree of selectivity and the toxin removal effectiveness."
Highline gondola system for personnel and equipment transfer,DE-SC0011881,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149891.55,The Glosten Associates,1201 Western Avenue,Suite 200,Seattle,WA,98101-2953,No,No,Yes,Thomas Mathai,Dr.,2066247850,tmathai@glosten.com,Thomas Mathai,Dr.,,tmathai@glosten.com,"A critical aspect of operating and maintaining an offshore wind turbine is turbine access. By facilitating crew access to turbine in most any weather, repair and maintenance tasks can be performed in a timely manner. This enhances turbine availability which in turn increases annual energy production yielding an overall reduction in the levelized cost of energy. Most personnel and equipment transfer systems developed to date comprise of a rigid gangway which is deployed from a vessel and which makes hard contact with the tower. With these systems, the need to maneuver the vessel in close proximity to the tower and make a hard contact renders the operation difficult in higher sea states. Therefore a new concept is proposed in which the vessel is stood off the tower, and a highline system, comprising an enclosed gondola running on a set of wires between the vessel and the tower, is used to transfer personnel and equipment. The vessel uses dynamic positioning and a constant-tension winch to ensure safe and smooth gondola deployment and recovery. The gondola is designed as a lifeboat for added safety. The system can be developed as a stand-alone technology and deployed from a range of vessel classes or types. The overall objective of phase I and II is to develop the design of such a highline system and establish the maximum wave conditions in which it is technically feasible to operate it. It is anticipated that the technology, if proven, could be applied in similar systems for accessing other types of offshore installations like oil platforms."
RAMSES,FA8501-14-P-0028,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,"21st Century Systems, Incorporated","11640 Arbor St, Ste 201",,Omaha,NE,-,No,No,No,Stuart Aldridge,"EVP, CTO",(402) 505-7887,stuart@21csi.com,Robert Woodley,Principal Scientist,(573) 426-2527,Robert.Woodley@21csi.com,"ABSTRACT: The floor of an ALC is like a well-orchestrated dance. However, when an unexpected failure occurs, it can introduce significant delays in not only the specific aircraft""s maintenance, but of the entire network of systems. 21st Century Systems, Inc. (21CSi) is in the position to answer this challenge with a concept called Reactive Aircraft Maintenance System via Evolutionary Scheduling (RAMSES). This project""s namesake was known for his organizing ability and capacity to move large projects along. Just as Ramses utilized the best technology of his day, RAMSES uses powerful algorithms to optimize the maintenance network in the face of unforeseen failures. The base optimization engine is an Evolutionary Algorithm (EA), which provides the ability to operate under the uncertainty an unforeseen failure creates through the use of Subjective Logic. This enables the algorithm to optimally select a maintenance plan that deals directly with the materials, personnel, and facility, yet allow the algorithm to handle the uncertainty of the availability of each. The result is a shop floor capable of effectively handling any unforeseen event. And, with 21CSi""s sustained superlative commercialization index, we are the right company at the right time to improve ALC operations. BENEFIT: The RAMSES concept will have direct benefit to both the military aircraft depot as well as commercial aircraft depots. RAMSES provides a method to optimally reschedule the entire depot if an unforeseen event occurs that may cause major disruptions in the work flow. Behind the scenes, RAMSES is able to interlink all the components and activities at the depot using an evidential reasoning technology, the Evidential Reasoning Network (ERN). ERN technology allows us to describe the effects an unforeseen event would have on the components of the depot in terms of added or reduced delay. By incorporating uncertainty directly into the calculations, we are able to form conditional bounds on the effect. The EA then solves the optimization problem using these bounds. Therefore, when an unexpected event occurs, RAMSES sends out the rescheduling plan directly to the same system that the technicians are currently using. RAMSES will even develop contingency plans in the case of compound or cascading events. As far as the technician is concerned, the result is simply a change in the schedule. However, the depot supervisor, overseeing the entire operation, will notice how RAMSES maneuvers the depot floor to account for the unexpected event whilst maintaining the highest throughput possible given the anomaly. We also see this technology expanding beyond aircraft. Almost all fleet type operations have some form of maintenance shop. Land, sea, and air all require their vehicles to be periodically serviced to maintain the performance necessary for operational success. RAMSES is able to optimize scheduling from the smallest to the largest operations. The innovative ERN method to describe the relationships of the components and vehicles in the shop can be scaled for any size operation. The result is an integrated tool that saves time in a situation that usually only costs time and resources."
Voxel-based Fusion (VOXION),FA8750-14-C-0040,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,149951.00,"21st Century Systems, Incorporated","11640 Arbor St, Ste 201",,Omaha,NE,-,No,No,No,Corey Hicks,Presdient and CEO,(402) 651-0235,corey.hicks@21csi.com,Amber Fischer,Senior Scientist,(808) 426-2527,Amber.Fischer@21csi.com,"ABSTRACT: In ISR applications, multiple sensors can be employed to achieve more accurate parameters of interest on targets, improving discrimination and detection. But, the proliferation of sensor systems has created a large volume of multi-sensor data across a number of physical spectra. These resulting measurements can be so disparate that traditional aggregation methods perform poorly given heuristics/assumptions required to map them into conventional algorithms. The team of 21st Century Systems, Inc. (21CSi) and the Missouri University of Science and Technology (MS & T) propose to develop an innovative multiphysics-based sensor fusion approach, called Voxel Fusion (VOXION). Applicable for improving target detection and discrimination in the ISR domain, VOXION maps the disparate sensor fields from a suite of EO/IR, RF and acoustic sensors into a single common multiphysics-based representation. Estimates on target parameters are then obtained directly from the unified physics field improving system accuracy, decreasing uncertainty, and achieving improved inferences more resilient to changes in the targets and environmental conditions as compared to classical fusion approaches. The innovative voxel-based concept; our diverse, well-qualified team; combined with 21CSi""s superlative, sustained record in SBIR/STTR commercialization; makes our team the right choice to improve multiphysics-based sensor fusion for the warfighter. BENEFIT: The VOXION multiphysics-based sensor fusion algorithm will be able to map the disparate sensor fields into a single common multiphysics representation that is needed to improve target detection and discrimination in the ISR domain. VOXION would generate estimates of target parameters from a unified physics representation of objects, improving system accuracy, decreasing uncertainty, and achieving improved inferences more robust to changes in the targets and environmental conditions. Thus, VOXION will markedly improve the fusion of data from disparate sensor types in order to improve situational awareness and sensor hand-offs. The VOXION technology has the potential of maturing into a cohesive multi-sensor fusion tool to assist in the traditionally manual processes of unlike sensor aggregation. This will not only improve the accuracy of the resulting situational awareness picture, but also allow for faster situation recognition and more rapid actionable intelligence. Bottom line...faster, better decisions."
Dual-Nozzle gas jets for Laser Plasma Accelerators,DE-SC0011366,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation,3077 Teagarden Street,,San Leandro,CA,94577-5720,No,No,No,Mahadevan Krishnan,Dr.,5104834156,krishnan@aasc.net,Mahadevan Krishnan,Dr.,5106764687,krishnan@aasc.net,"Laser Plasma Accelerators (LPAs) could one day replace larger radio-frequency accelerators in
medicine and industry. This proposal aims to deliver a key component of such LPAs: a dual- nozzle, tailored gas jet. Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation (AASC) proposes to develop a dual-nozzle gas jet suitable for LPAs. Initial variants include a dual-nozzle jet for the short pulsed Berkeley Lab Laser Accelerator at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab as well as a dual-nozzle jet for the longer pulsed Texas Petawatt laser at the Univ. of Texas Austin. Later we will scale these nozzles to higher density as required for CO2 laser interactions. The challenge and innovation in this project is to deliver to the LPA community a window-less and wall-free gas target that allows tailored density profiles. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: LPAs have the potential to substantially reduce the costs of a particle accelerator. By developing an enabling technology, AASC can add flagpole IP to its existing patent and license it to medical accelerator providers such as Varian Medical Systems."
Dynamic Macroparticle filtering for copper on RF couplers,DE-SC0011294,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation,3077 Teagarden Street,,San Leandro,CA,94577-5720,No,No,No,Mahadevan Krishnan,Dr.,5104834156,krishnan@aasc.net,Mahadevan Krishnan,Dr.,5104834156,krishnan@aasc.net,"Superconducting Radiofrequency Accelerators require a critical component that connects the
radiofrequency power supply that is warm, to the accelerator cavity that is very cold. Making this coupler insulating on the outside, so that it blocks heat from going into the cold region while making it highly conducting on the inside, to minimize radiofrequency power losses, is not easy. Existing methods do not work well enough to satisfy the requirements of large new accelerators that need thousands of these couplers. A better solution is needed. Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation (AASC) has demonstrated thin films of copper coated onto stainless steel that could meet the conflicting requirements of the RF coupler: stainless steel block heat on the outside while copper conducts RF power efficiently on the inside. In this project we will improve upon our coating solution by using an innovative particle filter that improves the copper coating, allowing it to stick better to the stainless steel. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Various governments alone are expected to invest $1B over the next decade or so into
superconducting accelerators. Private sector investment would match or exceed that with breakthroughs as noted above. About 20% of this investment would go to purchase of RF couplers so represents a good commercial opportunity. AASC would license its knowhow and patents to larger companies so as to have an impact on this opportunity."
Nb-on-Cu cavities for 700-1500 MHz SRF accelerators,DE-SC0011371,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation,3077 Teagarden Street,,San Leandro,CA,94577-5720,No,No,No,Mahadevan Krishnan,Dr.,5104834156,krishnan@aasc.net,Mahadevan Krishnan,Dr.,5104834156,krishnan@aasc.net,"Superconducting Radiofrequency Accelerators consume much less power than room temperature
accelerators, so can one day replace larger accelerators that are used in medicine and industry. Breakthroughs are needed: replacement of costly bulk niobium cavities by cheaper copper cavities that have a skin of niobium; higher temperature superconductors that reduce cryogenic costs. Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation (AASC) has demonstrated thin films of niobium that have the superconducting properties of bulk niobium. Recently we have coated copper cavities with niobium and are now poised to demonstrate performance at the accelerator level. This project will carry our momentum forward to demonstration of good performance via tests conducted at major national laboratories such as Jefferson Lab, Argonne National Lab, and Fermi Lab. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Various governments alone are expected to invest $1B over the next decade or so into superconducting accelerators. Private sector investment would match or exceed that with breakthroughs as noted above. AASC would license its knowhow and patents to larger companies so as to have an impact on this opportunity."
Energetic Condensation Coating of Cu on Stainless Steel for High Power Couplers,DE-SC0009581,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,2,1000000.00,Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation,3077 Teagarden Street,,San Leandro,CA,94577-5720,No,No,No,Mahadevan Krishnan,Dr.,,krishnan@aasc.net,Mahadevan Krishnan,Dr.,5104834156,krishnan@aasc.net,"Superconducting radiofrequency accelerators require a critical component that connects the radiofrequency power supply (which is warm) to the accelerator cavity (which is very cold). This coupler component must be insulating on the outside to block heat from going into the cold region. It must also be highly conducting on the inside to minimize radiofrequency power losses. No manufacturer has been able to strike a satisfactory balance. Existing methods do not work well enough to satisfy the requirements of the large new accelerators that need to order thousands of these couplers. AASC has validated a better solution in Ph-I. Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation (AASC) has demonstrated thin films of copper coated onto stainless steel that could meet the conflicting requirements of the RF coupler. Stainless steel blocks heat on the outside while copper conducts RF power efficiently on the inside. Our Ph-I coatings passed a high pressure water rinse test at Fermi Lab. The electrical conductivity of the film is characterized by a parameter called RRR that must exceed 30. Our Ph-I films gave RRR=42-64, in excess of requirements. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Various governments are expected to invest $1B into superconducting accelerators over the next decade or so. Private sector investment would match or exceed that with breakthroughs as noted above. About 20% of this investment would go to the purchase of RF couplers. This represents a great commercial opportunity. AASC will license its knowhow and patents to larger companies to capitalize on this opportunity."
A vehicle mounted radar footprint trail detection system,HSHQDC-14-C-00020,DHS,DHS,SBIR,2014,1,99951.04,"AKELA, Inc.",5551 Ekwill Street,Suite A,Santa Barbara,CA,93111-2355,No,No,No,Tim Halsey,Chief Financial Officer,(805) 683-6414,halsey@akelainc.com,David A. Boutte,Electrical Engineer,(805) 683-6414,boutte@akelainc.com,"Often illegal border crossing along the southern border takes place in unimproved areas not constantly monitored by Border Patrol agents or deployed sensors. Agents must rely on sign-cutting to detect traffic and start their pursuit. These signs can be difficult or impossible to detect from a moving platform with the unaided eye due to inclement weather, insufficient illumination and agent fatigue. By developing an all weather sensor focused on footprint trail detection to aid in monitoring unimproved areas, additional illegal border crossing can be detected. AKELA is proposing to develop a low cost, vehicle mounted, radar based footprint trail detection sensor to aid Border Patrol Agents in this task. The system will consist of simple low cost Ka-band radar hardware and data preprocessing and detection algorithms. Work will include radar test bed development, research into electromagnetic footprint scattering phenomenology, and algorithm development. A feasibility demonstration using a brassboard system prototype will be conducted at the end of Phase I. A manufacturing cost analysis will inform system design and help to minimize system cost. Completion of Phase I and Phase II efforts will result in a mature system prototype capable of detecting footprint trails from a moving vehicle in real environments. Commercial applications resulting from research and development efforts include roadway-monitoring sensors and airport runway foreign object damage detection sensors."
Indirect Detection of Radiological and Nuclear Threats by Non-atmospheric Effect Techniques,HDTRA1-14-P-0009,DOD,DTRA,SBIR,2014,1,149928.00,"AKELA, Inc.",5551 Ekwill Street,Suite A,Santa Barbara,CA,93111-2355,No,No,No,Tim Halsey,Chief Financial Officer,(805) 683-6414,thalsey@akelainc.com,James Hogg,Staff Scientist,(805) 683-6414,jhogg@akelainc.com,"ABSTRACT: We propose a concept for the detection of radiological sources at stand-off distances, using a two part system consisting of a detector tag and a radar system. A radiation-sensitive resonant circuit with nonlinear properties (the tag) is placed near a kn BENEFITS: Successful completion of this project will result in one or more circuit designs for detection tags, and theoretical, simulated, and laboratory measurement results for the expected sensitivity of the tag(s) to incident radiation. Potential applications o"
Digital Storyteller: A Cognitively Accessible Literary Compositioning Tool,H133S140091,ED,ED,SBIR,2014,2,575000.00,"AbleLink Technologies, Inc.",618 N. Nevada Ave,,Colorado Springs,CO,80903-1006,No,No,Yes,Brian Bard,Program Specialist,(202) 245-7345,brian.bard@ed.gov,Daniel K. Davies,"Founder and President, AbleLink Tech.",(719) 592-0347,dan@ablelinktech.com,"Students and adults with intellectual and other cognitive disabilities have a critical need for accessible technologies that can enable them to speak for themselves in all arenas of life, including academic settings, vocational settings, for leisure activities and for therapeutic purposes. There are, however, a significant number of people in the U.S. whose literacy deficits
effectively prohibit opportunities for written self expression, including millions with cognitive disabilities. In this project we will design, develop and evaluate a universally designed multimedia compositioning tool, called Digital Storyteller (DST). In Phase I a limited prototype of DST was developed and evaluated in a pilot study with 17 study participants with intellectual
disabilities. The results of the Phase I project demonstrated the technical merit and feasibility of the DST approach for providing a platform for individuals with intellectual disabilities to more independently create multimedia compositions when compared to two leading mainstream compositing tools. In Phase II we will expand the system to develop and test specialized
modules of the system that will be optimized for specific outputs, such as Book Report, Short Answer, Essay, Activity Reporting, Therapy Journal, Diary Keeping, Web Log, Storytelling or Memoir modules, and evaluate the usability and efficacy of the system for increasing literary output."
"Mobile Connect: A Cloud-based, Universally Designed Text Messaging and Email Program to Facilitate Social Connectedness and Community Inclusion for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities",H133S140009,ED,ED,SBIR,2014,1,75000.00,"AbleLink Technologies, Inc.",618 N. Nevada Ave,,Colorado Springs,CO,80903-1006,No,No,Yes,Brian J. Bard,Program Specialist,(202) 245-7345,brian.bard@ed.gov,Daniel K. Davies,President,(719) 592-0347,dan@ablelinktech.com,"Efforts to increase independence and enhance quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) have been increasing throughout American society. As this population continues to make strides in achieving greater independence and access to the community, there is an increasing need for remote communication, e.g. “I made it to work OK” or “I just took my
medication.” Smartphone-based technologies are already available to individuals without disabilities (e.g., iPhones, Android devices) but are often not accessible to individuals with ID due to requirements to read/compose text and their overall interface/navigation complexity. In this project, we will develop and evaluate the technical merit and feasibility of MOBILE CONNECT, a cognitively accessible text messaging and email program that will be universally
designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with ID in community settings. Phase I will include system requirements research, prototype development, and a pilot study to evaluate the independent usability of the system for individuals with ID. Phase II will extend the field research to evaluate the system’s ability to increase opportunities for community access for students and adults with intellectual disabilities, as well as individuals with autism and traumatic
brain injuries."
TWYLA (Test What You Learned - Assessment): A Cloud-Based Cognitively Accessible Testing Extender For Special Needs Learning Apps,H133S140035,ED,ED,SBIR,2014,1,75000.00,"AbleLink Technologies, Inc.",618 N. Nevada Ave,,Colorado Springs,CO,80903-1006,No,No,Yes,Brian J. Bard,Program Specialist,(202) 245-7345,brian.bard@ed.gov,Daniel K. Davies,Founder and President,(719) 592-0347,dan@ablelinktech.com,"Mobile devices and cloud-based services are transforming the world we live in and bringing significant change to everyday technologies for those with and without disabilities. The explosion of Apps and mobile devices is revolutionizing the software industry as a whole and special education technology in particular as individuals with disabilities, families, and teachers are provided direct access to products which can be seamlessly installed to mobile devices. While each App offers engaging and often effective learning activities to students with cognitive disabilities, it is usually up to the teaching professional to determine how to assess student progress, as few of these Apps are research-based and contain integrated assessment
components. Apps that do have an assessment component may still not have a cognitively ""accessible"" assessment interface as well as may not be assessing what is of interest to the teacher working with students with cognitive disabilities. In this project we will develop a powerful assessment system which can be coupled with any special needs App on a mobile device to allow special education teachers, as well as special needs App developers, to
seamlessly integrate a cognitively accessible testing component into their App learning environment."
Development and Evaluation of a Cognitively Accessible App to Facilitate Social Networking for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities,H133S140066,ED,ED,SBIR,2014,1,75000.00,"AbleLink Technologies, Inc.",618 N. Nevada Ave,,Colorado Springs,CO,80903-1006,No,No,Yes,Brian J. Bard,Program Specialist,(202) 245-7345,brian.bard@ed.gov,Daniel Davies,Founder and President,(719) 592-0347,dan@ablelinktech.com,"The social isolation issues of individuals with intellectual disabilities are well documented in the literature. New social networking technologies have served to provide a popular format for increasing human socialization opportunities world wide. Challenges to independent access to social networking sites for individuals with intellectual disabilities include excessively featured, cluttered interfaces and primarily text-based interfaces. Facebook, with over 1.11 billion current users, is among the most popular social networking sites. While entities such as the American Federation for the Blind have begun making inroads to improving the accessibility of Facebook for citizens with visual impairments, no such effort has been undertaken for students and adults with intellectual disabilities. This project proposes development and evaluation of a software interface into Facebook for user on mobile devices that is independently usable by individuals with intellectual disabilities, including those with limited or no literacy skills. This App will
provide a multimedia (e.g., voice recording, icons, text to speech) interface, a customizable filtering tool to limit screen features, and computer-generated prompts to guide the user using Facebook’s Software Development Kit (SDK) and open development opportunities. It will culminate in a feasibility study to determine if the simplified multimedia interface approach can significantly increase independent access to the most commonly used Facebook features for
students and adults with intellectual disabilities."
Development and Evaluation of a Universally Designed App to Support Self Directed Diabetes Education and Self Management for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities,H133S140071,ED,ED,SBIR,2014,1,75000.00,"AbleLink Technologies, Inc.",618 N. Nevada Ave,,Colorado Springs,CO,80903-1006,No,No,Yes,Brian J. Bard,Program Specialist,(202) 245-7353,brian.bard@ed.gov,Daniel Davies,President,(719) 592-0347,dan@ablelinktech.com,"While research shows there is an increasing incidence of diabetes in Americans, there is also a compelling body of research showing that individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are even more likely to suffer the effects of diabetes, which include increased risk of heart disease, stroke, infections, blindness and kidney failure. The World Health Organization reports that 50% of
people with diabetes die of cardiovascular disease, and the overall risk of dying among people with diabetes is at least double the risk of their peers without diabetes. The literature further emphasizes the roles of education and self-management as key interventions in managing the disease. However, due to literacy deficits and a lifelong lack of opportunities to practice self direction, individuals with ID have not had the opportunity to utilize these key interventions. Therefore, this project proposes research, development and evaluation of a universally designed educational and prompting software application that integrates extensive multimedia and proven interface design techniques for independent usability by people with ID. Phase I will develop
and evaluate the technical merit and feasibility of the approach by developing a prototype of the educational module and testing it for usability and efficacy for promoting diabetes knowledge retention for individuals with ID."
Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) Software to Accelerate Underwater Acoustic Autonomous Modeling and Processing,N00024-14-P-4040,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79994.00,"3 Phoenix, Inc.",14585 Avion Pwy,Suite 200,Chantilly,VA,-,No,No,No,Linda Leonard,Director of Contracts,(703) 956-6480,Linda.Leonard@3phoenix.net,Russ Jeffers,Principal Investigator,(703) 956-6480,russ.jeffers@3phoenix.net,"3 Phoenix, Inc. proposes to develop and evaluate technology that provides a substantial improvement in processing capability for autonomous sonar processing. Improved signal processing, automated classification and propagation models place additional loads on battery power. 3Pi proposes to demonstrate feasibility of a relevant software application running in hardware using 7.5-10 watts. We propose to compute hardware benchmarks in order to evaluate processing/power trade-offs. The proposed approach leverages commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) processor hardware. We have significant experience developing low power implementations of signal processing and automated classification software and firmware, and the proposed approach for the Phase I research is to leverage previous work. We anticipate that experience at 3Pi in this field will allow successful development of solutions appropriate for multiple Navy problems."
Engineering Sensors for Towed Array Reliability,N00024-14-C-4043,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,3999939.00,"3 Phoenix, Inc.",14585 Avion Pwy,Suite 200,Chantilly,VA,-,No,No,No,Linda Leonard,Director of Contracts,(703) 956-6480,Linda.Leonard@3phoenix.net,John Tullai,Program Manager,(410) 712-0471,John.Tullai@3phoenix.net,"The operational need for this improved towed array technology insertion initiative stems from the necessity to improve availability and reliability of towed arrays in use on submarines in both shallow and deep water environments, and represents a critical submarine capability enhancement. The proposed project will extend and transition the telemetry, packaging and iPEN technologies developed under SBIR Topic N111-075, and N04-138. The specific emphasis of this technology transition is improved reliability for the TB-29A Towed Array. Optimal TB-29A performance and availability requires a balance of design ruggedness, improved resilience, and improved reliability. The use of previous SBIR technologies has the potential to increase all of these. These reliability improvements are based on simplified architecture and corresponding connector reduction, lower power, and the use of pressure vessels to protect the telemetry components from towing and handling stresses while also allowing for failure analysis and repair. A collateral benefit is improved monitoring from additional sensors built into the telemetry components. 3Pi plans to build one (1) TB-29A Reliability Upgrade (RU) Towed Array and test through array harness testing, factory acceptance testing, lake and sea trial testing during this effort."
Pitting Corrosion Sensor and Tracker,N68335-14-C-0130,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,749923.00,"Acellent Technologies, Inc.",835 Stewart Drive,,Sunnyvale,CA,94085-,No,Yes,No,Amrita Kumar,Executive Vice President,(408) 307-4189,akumar@acellent.com,Navneet Gandhi,Project Engineer,(408) 745-1188,navneetg@acellent.com,"Acellent Technologies is developing a system for the US Navy that incorporates innovative ways to detect and track corrosion, measure clamping force and bolt preload in bolted joints typical of aircraft structures. Many of the corrosion inspection methods currently employed in the field to inspect magnesium housings involve disassembling the components and performing a visual inspection. Apart from being time-consuming, labor intensive, cumbersome and unreliable these inspections often lead to damage of the protective coating covering the surface during disassembly. Acellent Technologies is developing an accurate, reliable integrated health monitoring system capable of detecting, locating and sizing regions of corrosion in the area being monitored. The ultimate objective of the program will be to provide the U.S. Navy with a portable Corrosion Monitoring System (CMS) capable of efficiently monitoring regions of interest for degradation, thus mitigating the hazards associated with failure of critical aircraft components. Phase I demonstrated that the capability for detection of clamping force and bolt preload using a Hybridized SMART Layer. Phase II will focus on complete system development, testing and validation in collaboration with Sikorsky Aircraft Company and the U.S. Navy."
A Model-assisted Damage Diagnostics and Characterization(MoDDiaC) wireless-sensor network based Structural Health Monitoring System for Composite Roto,N68335-14-C-0132,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,749357.00,"Acellent Technologies, Inc.",835 Stewart Drive,,Sunnyvale,CA,94085-,No,Yes,No,Amrita Kumar,Executive Vice President,(408) 307-4189,akumar@acellent.com,Sang Lee,Director of Network Senso,(408) 745-1188,sjlee@acellent.com,"Current Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems can be used for composite damage monitoring. However, current systems lack the ability to accurately detect, locate and characterize damage for complex composite structures with local property variation. Acellent Technologies Inc. has therefore proposed to develop reliable and consistent damage diagnostics and characterization techniques for U.S. Navy composite rotorcraft structures operating under harsh aviation environments. These techniques will be integrated into Acellent""s SHM systems to provide""A Model-assisted Damage Diagnostics and Characterization(MoDDiaC) through a wireless-sensor network based Structural Health Monitoring System for Composite Rotorcraft Applications"". The proposed system will be designed for optimum performance with minimum number of sensors. The program is supported by Sikorsky Aircraft Company (SAC) for future implementation on the CH-53K aircraft. In Phase I, Acellent successfully completed the tasks leading towards the development of a complete SHM system with composite damage characterization. In Phase II, Acellent will continue to develop and refine the MoDDiaC system to leverage the overall concept developed in Phase I into a complete system-level prototype that is suitable for field use by the U.S. Navy."
A Low Cost Modular Approach to Flight Testing of Hypersonic Systems,FA8650-14-C-2420,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,749913.00,ACENT Laboratories LLC,3 Scott Lane,,Manorville,NY,11949,No,No,No,Anthony Castogiovanni,President,(631) 801-2616,anthony.castrogiovanni@acentlabs.com,Randall Voland,Vice President,(757) 218-5561,randy.voland@acentlabs.com,"ABSTRACT: Airbreathing hypersonic weapon systems utilizing ramjet/scramjet and/or combined cycle engines will open the door to many new capabilities for the warfighter. Applications include systems ranging from small tactical hypersonic missiles, hypersonic intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, to upper stages for responsive space access launch vehicles. ACENT Laboratories and teammates ATK, AMA and Kratos Rocket Support Services have a strong history in the area of hypersonic airbreathing flight testing and propose to continue the development a Low Cost Modular Approach to Flight Testing of Hypersonic Systems. The proposed Phase II effort includes technology demonstrations in several key areas deemed enabling to the reduction of cost and schedule of hypersonic sounding-rocket based flight projects. These include modular/parametric airframe design and rapid manufacture using investment casting, small form-factor electro-hydraulic actuators for control surfaces, and the use of 3D printing technology to simplify packaging of complex highly instrumented payload components. Risk reduction testing will be carried out to mature these technologies in preparation for flight testing in Phase III. BENEFIT: The saleable product resulting from this research will be a low cost marketable test and evaluation capability not readily available for ramjet/scramjet powered vehicles. The traditional approach to full-scale hypersonic engine development often begins with subscale component development ground tests leading to full-scale engine ground testing prior to full-scale flight-testing. Moving from subscale to full-scale or ground to flight both incur significant costs. Our modular low cost flight test technique will permit developers of hypersonic propulsion systems to flight test their vehicle and/or engine in sub-scale early in the developmental cycle to assess thrust and operability performance among other things. In a synergistic application with computational simulations and ground testing, this crucial flight data will provide a clear path to full-scale flight testing and development with reduced risk and cost. In addition, our modular system could allow testing at more than one scale by moving up in booster class to determine any scale effects early in the program. Our primary target market for this test capability product is the developmental programs for hypersonic airbreathing propulsion systems that have recently started or will be starting. Expansion of the applicability of the technology beyond hypersonic airbreathing propulsion is a natural extension of this effort. Many technical areas including aerodynamic decelerators, re-entry vehicles, and other non-propulsion fields will benefit from the results of this modular design architecture and these customers will be actively pursued."
Operator Interface for Flexible Control of Automated Sensor Functions,FA8650-14-M-6554,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149948.00,"361 Interactive, LLC",400 South Main Street,,Springboro,OH,45066-,No,No,No,Michael J. McCloskey,President,(937) 743-0361,mike@361interactive.com,Scott Cone,Senior Research Scientist,(937) 743-0361,scott@361interactive.com,"ABSTRACT: Advances in automated sensor technologies offer opportunities for enhancing mission performance with individual and teams of Unmanned Air Vehicles, reducing operator workload, advancing multi-vehicle cooperation capabilities, and enhancing situation awareness across the intelligence enterprise. This research will develop operator interfaces for managing and supervising a collection of sensor automation capabilities within dynamic mission contexts. The goal is to enable operators to work collaboratively with the automation technology by allowing users to delegate tasks at various levels of automation, providing visibility into the automation""s reasoning processes, and the allowing the operator to monitor and direct the automation""s""attention""and priorities in real time. We will employ cognitive task analyses to understand the cognitive demands of sensor operators and intelligence analysts, and to understand how automated sensor capabilities can support their performance. In parallel, we will investigate sensor automation technologies to characterize their functionality, competence, and performance vulnerabilities. Operator interfaces will be developed based on a synthesis of the cognitive interview and technology assessment results, in accordance with Joint Cognitive System and Ecological Interface Design principles. These concepts will be vetted with the operational community at the end of Phase I, and then fully-developed in Phase II. BENEFIT: Solutions developed under this effort will have direct application to sensor operators and intelligence analysts, enabling fewer operators to manage larger numbers of vehicles. These solutions could also support the rapidly growing commercial UAV market, making more advanced capabilities available to non-expert users, and offering new and innovative capabilities to commercial UAV developers. Finally, the results of this research can guide the development of new sensor automation technologies that will have high payoff to the military and commercial communities."
Infrared-Transparent Electromagnetic Shield,N68936-14-C-0016,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,80000.00,Acree Technologies Incorporated,1980 Olivera Ave,Suite D,Concord,CA,94520-5454,No,No,No,Mike McFarland,President,(925) 798-5770,mcfarland@acreetech.com,Jeff Brown,Senior Scientist,(925) 798-5770,jbrown@acreetech.com,This purpose of this project is to develop an advanced Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) coating and protective hardcoating for use on the dome of passive infrared (IR) guided missiles. The coatings will be deposited using innovative energetic deposition techniques producing films of high optical and electrical quality that are very dense and highly adherent. The TCO coatings simultaneously have high electrical conductivity and IR transparency of greater than 90% between 3-5 m when incorporated into an antireflection coating. The hardcoating will be suitable as a protective layer against sand and water drop impact erosion during flight and captured-carry.
Gear Coatings for Loss of Lubrication Application,W911W6-14-C-0025,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,1,99999.00,Acree Technologies Incorporated,1980 Olivera Ave,Suite D,Concord,CA,94520-5454,No,No,No,Mike McFarland,President,(925) 798-5770,mcfarland@acreetech.com,Kelvin Wong,Senior Scientist,(925) 798-5770,wong@acreetech.com,"The purpose of this project is to demonstrate the effectiveness of an innovative coating solution to provide a substantial improvement in the gear lifetime of rotorcraft power transmission systems following loss-of-lubrication. The high temperature compatible, self-lubricating coating is a nanocomposite material that offers lubricity to reduce frictional heating, resistance against scuffing, and resistance to brittle fracture over a wide temperature range (>650°C). The coating provides substantial performance improvements compared to conventional diamond-like-carbon, carbide and dichalcogenide coatings due to its superior resistance to degradation at elevated temperatures, which are present on gear faces during loss-of-lubrication. The coating will significantly improve the survivability of gears in current rotorcraft transmissions and next generation aircrafts, such as the Joint Multi-Role (JMR) aircraft."
Optics and Coatings for High Energy Laser Applications,HQ0147-14-C-7001,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2014,2,974999.00,Acree Technologies Incorporated,1980 Olivera Ave,Suite D,Concord,CA,94520-5454,No,No,No,Mike McFarland,President,(925) 798-5770,mcfarland@acreetech.com,Jeff Brown,Senior Scientist,(925) 798-5770,jbrown@acreetech.com,"The purpose of this project is to develop coatings for use inside of the gain cavity of next generation Diode Pumped Alkali Lasers (DPALs). These coatings will be applied to transparent surfaces of the cavity used to couple the pump energy into the gain media and allow the transmission of the alkali lasing wavelength. Both of these benefits will improve DPAL performance and extend lifetime. Acree Technologies Incorporated""s extensive experience in the design of coatings for harsh environments and coating capability provides a unique combination for successful completion of this important work. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7739 (18 March 14)."
Weapons Effects FRMs for Contact or Embedded Detonations in Fixed Targets,FA8651-14-M-0161,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149917.00,ACTA Incorporated,"2790 Skypark Drive, Suite 310",,Torrance,CA,-,No,No,No,James Hudson,President,(310) 530-1008,hudson@actainc.com,Gamage W. Wathugala,Program Manager,(310) 530-1008,wathugala@actainc.com,"ABSTRACT: This is a nine-month SBIR Phase I project titled""Weapons Effects FRMs for Contact or Embedded detonations in Fixed Targets.""The stated objective of this solicitation topic is to develop innovative High-Fidelity Physics-Based (HFPB) Fast-Running Models (FRMs) for simulating the effects of weapons detonated on contact or embedded in fixed target structural materials. We propose to demonstrate the feasibility of simulating small munitions impact penetrating and exploding inside several urban wall types using high fidelity physics based tools. We also propose to demonstrate prototype FRMs for stochastic debris cloud models resulting from these events for a limited parameter space. BENEFIT: In recent years, the US military finds itself more involved in urban warfare. In urban warfare or MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain), armed forces have to exhibit caution so that their actions will not harm civilians and friendly forces in the area. These precautions exclude the use of large weapons and therefore the military is extremely interested in the use of more precise small weapons. These small weapons are often used to breach urban walls and can be inert projectiles or explosive projectiles (cased weapons) that a) detonate upon impact or b) set for a delayed detonation during partial penetration in order to maximize damage. The physics of the inert or explosive impacts and the resulting breakup and debris generation of these munitions are very complex. Therefore, there is a need to develop validated small munitions models capable of determining the consequences of their use in order to assist military planners and soldiers in the field. This Phase I project will result in (a) improved HFPB (High Fidelity Physics Based) tools for simulating these applications, (b) prototype global FRMs for stochastic debris source models for RC and brick walls, (c) prototype FRM for blast energy behind the target wall, and (d) Phase II plan to develop FRMs that can predict hole size, shape, and stochastic debris cloud due to small munitions impact penetrating and exploding in urban walls."
Multiphysics-based Sensor Fusion,FA8750-14-C-0038,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,149990.00,ACTA Incorporated,"2790 Skypark Drive, Suite 310",,Torrance,CA,-,No,No,No,James Hudson,President,(310) 530-1008,hudson@actainc.com,George Lloyd,Staff Scientist,(310) 530-1008,lloyd@actainc.com,"ABSTRACT: ACTA and Sandia National Laboratories will develop and demonstrate advanced concepts for processing large and disparate data streams from multiple classes of sensors using multi-physics based mappings based upon stochastic non-linear networks. Fusion of incertitude will be demonstrated with algorithms based on KDE/ICA (kernel density estimator/independent component analysis) approaches which yield truncation-free and viable non-parametric applications of polynomial chaos expansions. ACTA is prepared to incorporate these multi-physics mapping algorithms into its existing embeddable sensor-fusion hardware design constructed around a tool called REASON to produce a working prototype of what it currently terms as Smart Remotes. REASON stands for Rule Extensible Arbitrary System of Networks, which was developed in part to avoid the pitfalls of monolithic knowledge-based systems, and also to incorporate""in-line""as much as possible modern computationally-oriented syntaxes and to utilize open-source data structures and storage formats. BENEFIT: Air Force mission readiness, tactical situation awareness, and weather forecasting are areas where the proliferation of sensor platforms can obviously augment existing capabilities, increase decision turn-around, and amplify or extend solider and pilot effectiveness. These goals are not achievable however without adequate algorithms to map the multi-physics suite of data into feature discrimination and change point detection estimates with corresponding joint densities in order to operate with acceptable false alarms and detection performance. It is vitally important that the multi-physics algorithms be based on a sound theoretical underpinning, and be able to be deployed across a wide variety of platforms. ACTA""s proposed technical approach will demonstrate that these benefits can be achieved."
Integrated Oil Condition Monitor and Debris Sensing System,N68335-14-C-0105,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79145.00,"Active Spectrum, Inc.","1191 Chess Dr., Suite F",,Foster City,CA,94404-1192,No,No,No,James White,President,(650) 212-2625,jwhite@activespectrum.com,James White,President,(650) 212-2625,jwhite@activespectrum.com,"Miniature electron spin resonance spectroscopy technology (Micro-ESR) provides a quantitative, real-time measure of oil condition including oxidation, sulfation, water content and additive depletion. In the event corrosion does occur, the sensor can quantitatively measure iron oxides in the oil. These measures correlated with published ASTM standards based on the Navy's JOAP program. Enhancements to the system provide quantitative measurements of particle size and distribution and composition."
Bio-fuel Reforming for High-Efficiency Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Generators,N00014-14-C-0226,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,501759.00,Acumentrics,20 Southwest Park,,Westwood,MA,02090-,No,No,No,Douglas Schmidt,Director,(781) 461-8251,dougschmidt@acumentrics.com,Neil Fernandes,Manager Fuels Engineering,(781) 461-8251,nfernandes@acumentrics.com,"Acumentrics is developing a new reformer system capable of significantly increasing efficiency while reducing components, component cost, and system complexity. This proposal applies that system to biofuel as well as other fuels as the technology is scaled up from small units in order to develop an experimentally justified 10kW design."
Thermal Isolation Technology for Large-Format Li-ion Batteries,FA8650-14-M-2490,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149998.00,"ADA Technologies, Inc.",8100 Shaffer Parkway,Suite #130,Littleton,CO,-,No,No,No,James Budimlya,President&CEO,(303) 792-5615,jim.budimlya@adatech.com,Weibing Xing,Senior Research Scientist,(303) 792-5615,weibingx@adatech.com,"Large format lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries with ineffective cell isolation are potentially hazardous when exposed to conditions such as crush, overcharge, discharge, high temperature and internal short circuit. The recent Boeing incidents and similar incidents in the automotive industry underscore the importance of current research into the root causes and safety hazards associated with such batteries. This research has shown that catastrophic failure in large-format Li-ion packs involves a complex chain of events that could, perhaps, be interrupted at several points along the failure chain and by several features in the battery design. In the event of cell failure, propagation of heat can occur, from a defective/damaged cell to the surrounding ones in a battery pack leading to a""domino-effect""and resulting in extensive thermal runaway. Such safety concerns can impede the combat capability of critical platforms like Joint Strike Fighter""(JSF). To address this need, ADA Technologies, Inc. (ADA) in partnership with Saft America Inc. (Saft), propose to develop a multi-layer, lightweight technology to mitigate thermal propagation risks in the event of cell failure."
3-D Mechanical Iris Missile Tube Forward Closure,N68335-14-C-0111,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79991.00,"ADA Technologies, Inc.",8100 Shaffer Parkway,Suite #130,Littleton,CO,-,No,No,No,James Budimlya,President&CEO,(303) 792-5615,jim.budimlya@adatech.com,Thierry Carriere,Technology Director,(303) 792-5615,thierryc@adatech.com,"The Navy Ohio Replacement Ballistic Missile Submarine Program is a major endeavor aiming at designing and building a new class of 12 ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) to replace the current force of SSBNs. Current Ohio-Class SSBNs are armed with Trident ballistic missiles or Tomahawk missiles if converted to guided missile submarines (SSGNs). These missiles are launched from vertical launch tubes. Prior to launch, they must be protected from the pressure of the ocean environment and be launched unobstructed from the capsule. Currently, capsules utilize disposable composite structures to protect the payload from hydrostatic pressure. A non-destructive, reusable closure would reduce the systematic capsule maintenance following a launch and eliminate launch debris. ADA Technologies is proposing to develop and test a fast-actuating, completely reusable capsule closure meeting the key Navy requirements. The selected design utilizes an innovative dome constructed of eight petal-shaped structures that neatly fold within themselves when actuated. The iris-like approach minimizes actuation forces and dome storage volume while maximizing free payload passage for unimpeded launch, even in the event of power loss. ADA has established key collaborations with Newport News Shipbuilding and Moog to ensure successful technical development of the proposed innovation."
Fire Suppressant Transport Modeling,FA2487-14-C-0203,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,749988.00,"ADA Technologies, Inc.",8100 Shaffer Parkway,Suite #130,Littleton,CO,-,No,No,No,James Budimlya,President&CEO,(303) 792-5615,jim.budimlya@adatech.com,Thierry Carriere,Technology Director,(303) 792-5615,thierryc@adatech.com,"ABSTRACT: Fires initiating in engine nacelles and dry bays are the most common causes of loss of aircraft. However, since the Montreal Protocol restricting the production of Halons, a replacement has not yet been accepted by the aircraft survivability community despite numerous testing programs. The costs and limitations of designing new systems based primarily on live fire testing can be mitigated by modeling. In this Phase II project, ADA Technologies is partnering with Fire Science NM and SURVICE Engineering to develop, validate and implement a fast-running, physics-based, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code for mapping the concentration of clean agent fire suppressants in obstructed environments such as dry bays. At the core of the simplified approach is the focus on the low-Mach number equations, describing phenomenon happening in the subsonic regime, such as the dispersion of fire suppressant. The Phase I preliminary model demonstrated the required speed and accuracy. In Phase II, the code will be further streamlined and thoroughly validated against full-scale test data. Finally, the code will be converted to a module and integrated into the FPM (Fire Prediction Model) platform for use by the DoD survivability community. BENEFIT: A fast-running CFD code modeling the dispersion of Halon replacements, also known as clean agents, would allow optimization of new fire suppression designs by minimizing the amount of suppressant to be carried on-board an aircraft while ensuring satisfactory extinguishment performance. Limiting weight is always a primary concern in aircraft applications. Finding an effective and environmentally friendly replacement for Halon 1301 for dry bay and engine nacelles would be greatly aided by such a validated CFD code. This code would be applicable to a variety of fire suppression applications looking for optimized Halon replacement systems. DOD markets include a variety of new and retrofit applications linked under the joint aircraft survivability program. Beyond military aircraft, commercial aircraft is another natural fit for the code, as airframers are facing the same issue for engine nacelle and APU protection. Finally, weight and cost optimization of fire suppression systems of other, non-aerospace obstructed volumes is another commercialization opportunity. For examples, light armored vehicles in the DOD market and server rooms in the commercial sector represent promising business prospects for the future code."
Low Filler-concentration Advanced Thermal Management Materials for Power Systems Components,FA8650-14-C-2519,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,746492.00,"ADA Technologies, Inc.",8100 Shaffer Parkway,Suite #130,Littleton,CO,-,No,No,No,James Budimlya,President&CEO,(303) 792-5615,jim.budimlya@adatech.com,Sayangdev Naha,Research Engineer,(303) 792-5615,sayann@adatech.com,"ABSTRACT: Abstract (No proprietary info): Thermal interface materials (TIMs) constitute an essential part of thermal management which is quickly becoming the limiting factor in high power, high functional density, and increasingly small-sized electronics for future U.S. Air Force (AF) platforms. Examples of critical applications of interest to the AF include that require improved thermal management include modern aircraft, directed energy systems, and satellites. TIMs aim to ensure a continuous thermal conductivity path between the heat source and heat sink/dissipater, thus permitting the efficient operation of electronics. The major impediment to achieving reliable TIMs is high thermal interfacial resistance, which increases over time due to introduction of air pockets and the loss of contact between the meshing surfaces under thermal cycling. To address this need, ADA Technologies, Inc. proposes a novel approach to synthesize high-performance TIM pads based on reduction of interfacial thermal resistance via electronic conduction. ADA""s proposed TIM aims to realize significant improvements of the current state-of-the-art in thermal performance, reliability and install/rework. BENEFIT: Anticipated Benefits/Potential Commercial Applications of the Research and Development (No proprietary info): ADA has designed our efforts to realize high-performance TIM pads offering significant improvements over the current state-of-the-art. If successful, ADA""s technology will permit the development and usage of electronics that offer higher power and faster operating speeds by providing more efficient heat management. This will directly benefit capabilities in next generation AF efforts such as those anticipated in military aircraft, directed energy systems, satellites, and avionics. Furthermore, this technology will have direct benefits in many commercial electronics including personal electronics (e.g., laptops, cell phones, music players) and civilian aircraft, spacecraft, and other microelectronics."
High Voltage Lithium Ion Reserve Battery,N68936-14-C-0097,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79995.00,"ADA Technologies, Inc.",8100 Shaffer Parkway,Suite #130,Littleton,CO,-,No,No,No,James Budimlya,President&CEO,(303) 792-5615,jim.budimlya@adatech.com,Stephen Cordova,Senior Process Engineer,(303) 874-8222,stephenc@adatech.com,"Thermal batteries are primary batteries containing solid cathodes and anodes sandwiched around an inorganic solid electrolyte that remains inert under ambient conditions until melted using pyrotechnic materials. Today""s SOTA thermal batteries rely on complex, heavily engineered systems with large parasitic masses/volumes due to the need for high operating temperatures and thermal retention to maintain those temperatures. Additional volume and complexity is also required for the prevention of catastrophic misfiring and failure from operation at those same high temperatures. This leads to significantly low energy densities compared to Li-ion chemistries. To address this need, ADA Technologies, Inc. propose the development of a chemical reserve Li-ion battery that represents a disruptive change in reserve battery design and could potentially eliminate future demand for thermal reserve batteries. The technology has the potential to provide 3-4x more energy and power than current thermal reserve batteries due to the utilization of high energy/power density Li-ion battery chemistries. These innovations have the potential to enable a substantial improvement in all critical performance criteria for next-generation reserve batteries - including the ability to operate over a wider range of temperatures and operating conditions, enhance safety, lower cost and provide a flexible design."
Mine Drift Prediction Tactical Decision Aid (TDA),N00014-14-P-1061,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79962.00,"Adaptive Methods, Inc",5860 Trinity Parkway,Suite 200,Centreville,VA,20120-,No,No,No,Judy Barhorst,Director of Contracts,(703) 968-8040,jbarhorst@adaptivemethods.com,Lewis Hart,Principal Investigator,(703) 968-8040,lhart@adaptivemethods.com,"Adaptive Methods, teamed with Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation (NASC), proposes to develop algorithms for a Tactical Decision Aid (TDA) capable of adaptively tracking and predicting the locations of drifting mines. The TDA is capable of optimizing Mine Counter Measure (MCM) asset deployment plans and producing maneuver routes that minimize ship risks. Our approach develops new technologies for a MIW TDA which provides mine drift prediction and MIW planning by: leveraging and adapting. This approach leverages Navmar Applied Science Corporation""s capabilities and experience in sonobuoy drift prediction; and by adapts the Adaptive Methods""existing Context-aware Multi-Objective Planner (CMOP). The effort will demonstrate the feasibility of combining a drift mine prediction tracker with a multi-objective planner to provide a MIW TDA which will reduce the manpower needed to develop safe and effective MCM plans."
Visualization Framework for Navy Tactical Applications,N00024-14-C-4013,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,742644.00,"Adaptive Methods, Inc",5860 Trinity Parkway,Suite 200,Centreville,VA,20120-,No,No,No,Judy Barhorst,Director of Contracts,(703) 968-8040,jbarhorst@adaptivemethods.com,Mark Outhier,Principal Investigator,(703) 968-8040,mouthier@adaptivemethods.com,"This proposal addresses the challenges presented by multiple systems currently fielded onboard various Navy platforms containing incoherent USW C2 capabilities. These systems include CV-TSC, USW-DSS, SQQ-89/CADRT, GCCS-M, CFn and SWFTS. The redundant and overlapping capabilities, amplified by less than ideal integration between the systems requires duplicate data entries to get the same information on each display. This process is both cumbersome and prone to error. The objective of this proposal is to provide a complete paradigm for application development and deployment as well as offer device agnostic and rendering environment agnostic Open Source APIs. This approach allows multiple organizations to contribute their""best of breed""features to a common geospatial environment that will save time and cost of transitions. The Phase I efforts were focused on research and development of a common Visualization Framework that may be used to assemble customizable tactical display applications from tactical feature modules that are re-usable across programs. The proposed Phase II efforts will expand these capabilities to provide a more powerful set of general user interface capabilities in line with the needs of C2 applications from multiple programs."
Data Fusion for USW Common Tactical Picture,N00024-14-C-4014,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,375000.00,"Adaptive Methods, Inc",5860 Trinity Parkway,Suite 200,Centreville,VA,20120-,No,No,No,Judy Barhorst,Director of Contracts,(703) 968-8040,jbarhorst@adaptivemethods.com,Rick Taylor,Principal Investigator,(703) 968-8040,rtaylor@adaptivemethods.com,"This proposal addresses the challenges presented by multiple tactical pictures being fielded via various Navy systems that attempt to provide a""Common Tactical Picture""(CTP). These systems include CV-TSC, USW-DSS, SQQ-89/CADRT, GCCS-M, AEGIS, SSDS, CFn and SWFTS. These redundant and overlapping capabilities ultimately require operators to mentally visualize a hybrid CTP since no single system or display provides the complete, timely, and accurate CTP needed to effectively conduct the ASW mission. Adaptive Methods proposes a Sailor-centric approach for concept definition, ASW systems engineering, and CTP algorithm development and automation. The primary objective of this proposal is to provide the capability for the ASW Commander to develop and share an accurate, real-time Common Tactical Picture (CTP) that conveys his intent with minimal workload on operators across the Force. During the Phase I effort, work was focused on documenting workflows for the CTP, identifying the information needed at the decisions points and how this information will be carried. Ultimately we defined a methodology for creating and automatically distributing the CTP. In the proposed Phase II effort, the objective is to design and build a prototype of the CTP methodology and conduct additional research for implementation for a persistent Master Tactical Plot."
Fat Line Towed Array Straightening System,N00024-14-C-4015,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,739950.00,"Adaptive Methods, Inc",5860 Trinity Parkway,Suite 200,Centreville,VA,20120-,No,No,No,Judy Barhorst,Director of Contracts,(703) 968-8040,jbarhorst@adaptivemethods.com,Jim Wiggins,Principal Investigator,(301) 840-9722,jwiggins@adaptivemethods.com,"Submarines have a need for situational awareness at all times. They are equipped with Fat Line acoustic arrays such as the T-16 and the TB-34 in order to provide this awareness. However, at low tow speeds the array droops from front to back and also loses straightness. This spatial distortion reduces the array""s acoustic effectiveness. A solution is needed to keep these arrays straight and level at tow speeds between 1.5 and 3 knots. A potential solution is considered, dubbed the Speed Sensitive Pod for Drag Resistance (SSPDR). The SSPDR is a passive device that automatically deploys at low tow speeds to generate increased drag, straightening the array. However, it automatically retracts at higher speeds, reducing the total array drag to near-normal levels. This device would be installed toward the end of the Fat Line array in such a way that it does not adversely impact the STA array. The proposal discusses how the offeror will design the above device and accurately model the proposed design to verify specification compliance."
Autonomous Environmental Sensor Performance Prediction Tool for Multi-Static Active and Passive Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Systems,N68335-14-C-0204,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79908.00,"Adaptive Methods, Inc",5860 Trinity Parkway,Suite 200,Centreville,VA,20120-,No,No,No,Judy Barhorst,Director of Contracts,(703) 968-8040,jbarhorst@adaptivemethods.com,Robert Blanchard,Principal Investigator,(703) 968-8040,rblanchard@adaptivemethods.com,"Current Air ASW sensor systems are complex in form and function with many operational settings as is the nature of the littoral and deep-water range- and time-dependent underwater acoustic environments in which the Navy applies them. Determining 3-dimensional sensor distributions and settings for optimal detection capability for an operational area and target of interest is difficult. Present modeling capabilities applied to sensor placement and setting optimization are necessarily constrained in spatial and temporal fidelity because of the curse of dimensionality: substantially more computing power is needed to calculate the best scenario from a full range of sensor settings and distributions over wide areas. A multi-stage, multi-threaded, distributed, and automated multi-static active and passive modeling and simulation capability is needed to help warfighters make decisions on where to fight, and once committed, make the best choice of sensor system to use (including distribution and settings) and provide feedback to improve coordination of future sorties based on in situ data. Innovative strategies employing alternative metrics to traditional probability of detection will be assessed for feasibility. Adaptive Methods and the Applied Physics Laboratory are well poised, based on previous work in this area, to bring forth this desired capability."
Active Sonar Interference Avoidance Planning,N00024-14-P-4538,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79955.00,"Adaptive Methods, Inc",5860 Trinity Parkway,Suite 200,Centreville,VA,20120-,No,No,No,Judy Barhorst,Director of Contracts,(703) 968-8040,jbarhorst@adaptivemethods.com,Pete Nulty,Principla Investigator,(727) 532-0631,pnulty@adaptivemethods.com,"Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) acoustic mission planning is a very complex problem that needs to take into account many factors to achieve overall mission objectives. Blue Force capabilities and vulnerabilities, Red Force capabilities and vulnerabilities, ASW mission posture and priority, search time allocation, area size, and environmental factors all play a significant role in determining the best course of action (COA) to successfully achieve mission objectives. Each one of these factors can affect overall sensor performance and/or probability of detection and require experienced planners to take each factor into account while trying to develop optimal COAs, search routes, and sensor lineups. The Navy has made significant investments in developing tools addressing the challenges referenced above, aiding the planners in creating effective ASW Mission Plans. However, one area that could benefit from additional enhancement is in assisting the users in the development of an improved Active Sensor Interference Avoidance Plan (ASIAP) and/or search methodology that will reduce the likelihood of mutual interference (MI). The focus of this proposal is to outline an approach for solving this problem through the use of automation tools and visual aids to better integrate ASIAP factors in the overall mission planning process."
System-agnostic Mission Data Recording and Reconstruction for Surface Combatants,N00024-14-P-4556,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79932.00,"Adaptive Methods, Inc",5860 Trinity Parkway,Suite 200,Centreville,VA,20120-,No,No,No,Judy Barhorst,Director of Contracts,(703) 968-8040,jbarhorst@adaptivemethods.com,Sarah Cronin,Principal Investigator,(301) 947-2570,scronin@adaptivemethods.com,"Current US Navy sonar recorder systems have often been developed as adjunct tools for data collection without consideration of a holistic approach for system wide record and playback. Specifically, many existing fleet systems have an assortment of unique recording tools that are specialized for specific data types and formats making analysis of the entire system""s performance cumbersome and labor intensive. The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program presents unique challenges to recording due to its modular mission architecture. Currently, there is no over-arching recorder that is common across its mission packages. Moreover, while each mission module might contain dedicated recorders or data collection tools, these are specific only to the module and do not collate data across a given mission package. Thus, for LCS, it is currently not possible to reconstruct or analyze the entire mission as it occurred. The focus of this proposal is on solving this issue by developing a comprehensive, fully-integrated, data agnostic record and playback service that is common and available across all mission packages and flexible enough to evolve with changing mission package requirements and capabilities."
Innovative CH-53K Cargo Floor System,N68335-15-C-0007,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79898.00,ADC Acquisition Co. dba Automated Dynamics,407 Front Street,,Schenectady,NY,12305-,No,No,No,Robert Langone,President,(518) 377-6471,rlangone@automateddynamics.com,John Michasiow,Program Manager,(518) 377-6471,jmichasiow@automateddynamics.com,"This proposal provides an innovative CH-53K cargo floor that will exceed all technical requirements by using in-situ automated fiber placement of thermoplastic composites along with optimized stringers to produce a cobonded floor structure. The design will take advantage of the superior damage tolerance of thermoplastic composites while stressing manufacturability and affordability. Stringer optimization will be conducted in the Phase I to improve load carrying capability resulting in a durable, lower weight cargo floor structure. Phase I Option will involve design, fabrication and testing of a subscale article. Proven in-situ cobonding will be used to bond the skin to stringers to overcome problems in previous programs. Phase II will consist of the design and development of a representative critical cargo floor system sections including a treadway section, roller section and walkway section for the CH-53K. The prototype floor sections will be evaluated through demonstration and testing under conditions representative of a military aircraft cargo environment."
Superconducting Wollaston Prism for Spin Echo Scattering Angle Measurement,DE-SC0009584,DOE,DOE,STTR,2014,2,1000000.00,"Adelphi Technology, Inc.",2003 E Bayshore Rd,,Redwood City,CA,94063-4121,No,No,No,Charles Gary,Dr.,6504742750,cgary@adelphitech.com,Jay Cremer,Dr.,6504742750,ted@adelphitech.com,"Neutron Scattering has been an extremely productive materials science probe for over 60 years. It is no exaggeration to say that any technology that uses plastics has benefitted from it in some way from Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS). Unfortunately, SANS is limited to studying molecular structures with sizes between 1 to 100 nm and so often misses larger details. Similarly, neutron radiography has played an important role in identifying and tracking hydrogen in structures from cracked aircraft wings to fuel cells, but is limited by its ability to discriminate between certain materials. We plan to address both of these areas with a new technology. For addressing the SANS problem, and also revolutionizing neutron phase contrast radiography, Adelphi is developing a novel Superconducting Wollaston Prism (HiTc-Wollaston Prism instrument) for Spin Echo Scattering Angle Measurement (SESAME) that uses high temperature superconducting (HiTc) coils and Meissner screens. This achieves high magnetic fields and dimensional precision required for accurate structural measurements over length scales from nanometers to 20 microns. The HiTc-Wollaston Prism instruments use matched Wollaston prism pairs that precisely cancel neutron spin precession needed for spin echo angle encoding. We accomplished all 4 goals Phase I project by designing, simulating, optimizing, and fabricating a single HiTc-Wollaston prism based on high-temperature superconducting (HiTc) technology. The HiTc-Wollaston prism was successfully tested at Indiana University and NIST. Our success prompted an offer of collaboration from ISIS, a leading European neutron facility. In Phase II we will design, optimize, fabricate, and test the HiTc-Wollaston 4-Prism instrument for SESAME and the HiTc-Wollaston 2-Prism instrument for phase contrast radiography at U.S. neutron scattering facilities. We will also collaborate with the US and worldwide facilities to develop and market the HiTc-Wollaston Prism instruments for reflectometry and diffractometry. Commercial Applications and OtherBenefits: By extension of the range of structural objects that can be studied, the HiTc-Wollaston Prism instrument will open new fields of material science studies. Applications are in petrochemicals (colloids, micro-emulsions and polymers), biotechnology and medicine (membranes, macromolecules), and industry (metallurgy, ceramics, polymers, electrolytes in fuel cells, magnetic sensors and memory). Master of HiTc-technology will allow us to develop components for other polarized neutron instruments and increase our market impact worldwide."
Magnetically-quiet Expendable Sono-Launched Unmanned Aircraft System (MESL UAS),N68335-14-C-0255,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79972.00,Sensintel Inc.,3292 E. Hemisphere Loop,,Tucson,AZ,85706-5013,No,No,No,Jennifer Jerrick,Contracts Administrator,(520) 573-6300,jennifer.jerrick@sensintel.com,Andrew Osbrink,Project Manager,(520) 573-6300,andrew.osbrink@sensintel.com,"Sensintel Inc., White River Technologies, and Raytheon Missile Systems propose to develop a small unmanned aircraft system (UAS) magnetically quiet enough to enable the employment of small Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) sensors and capable of performing the High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) target interrogation and identification mission profile. The solution, the Magnetically-quiet Expendable Sono-Launched Unmanned Aircraft System (MESL UAS), will be developed leveraging the vast experience of the team members in this arena; specifically with Sensintel""s small sonobuoy launched UAS development experience."
Landing Gear Structural Health Prognostic/Diagnostic System,N68335-14-C-0084,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,849833.00,(ES3) Engineering & Software System Solu,"550 West C Street, Suite 1630",,San Diego,CA,92101-,Yes,No,No,Doug Wiser,COO,(801) 928-2769,doug.wiser@es3inc.com,Rob Huot,SHM Lead Engineer,(801) 928-2719,robert.huot@es3inc.com,"Landing gear systems are one of the more problematic subsystems on Naval aircraft. Landing gear failure can be caused by hard landings due to actual severe high sink rate with high enough GW to exceed the design strength, but are extremely rare. More common are fatigue and environmentally caused failures. Aircraft managers address this issue by making estimations of operational loads, and doing detailed fatigue analysis as appropriate to ensure safe landing gear operation. These estimations are conservative by nature, and frequently necessitate assumptions about landing, ground or braking conditions that may be different in actual operational service. The ability to measure, record, and possibly process the operational loads data for each aircrafts""landing gear would give Aircraft Program Offices the ability to make more intelligent management decisions about operational limits, inspection intervals, and removal & depot overhaul cycle values. Additionally, landing gear failures can be caused by mis-servicing of the landing gear, resulting in much higher loads (even for a""normal""landing events or cause excessive fatigue damage than originally assumed). This phenomena is present and problematic for multiple aircraft platforms. The proposed SHM system would address this issue at two levels - detecting and prevent mis-servicing gears hence eliminating higher peak load failures, and also minimize/avoid unnecessary inspections due to perceived""hard landings"". ES3 proposes to address all these issues through the use of an on-aircraft miniaturized data acquisition system, with sufficient data storage and processing capabilities to utilize multiple sensor inputs. During the Phase I SBIR effort, ES3 evaluated several of these systems, and numerous applicable sensors for their suitability in a SHM system. During the Phase I activities, prototype hardware was laboratory tested for various SHM functionality. The N121-043 Phase II effort intends to capitalize on the significant opportunity to resolve problems with the current SHM systems/datavia the integration of new technologies for sensors, communication devices, and miniaturized Data Acquisition Systems (DAQ). In Phase I, ES3 demonstrated the technical feasibility of developing this type of multi-function SHM system that could address four main categories 1) fatigue life management, 2) safety, 3) maintenance reduction, and 4) mission impactin order to aid in the technology evaluation process The primary focus of the Phase II solution will be development/demonstration/validation on the P-8 (PMA-290) acquisition program. However, the proposed solution will be directly transferable to other acquisition programs included in the N121-043 SBIR topic, currently including V-22 (PMA-275), C-130 (PMA-207), and H-53K (PMA-261)."
Dimensional Restoration of Aircraft Components Damaged by Corrosion,FA8117-14-C-0006,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149897.00,(ES3) Engineering & Software System Solu,"550 West C Street, Suite 1630",,San Diego,CA,92101-,Yes,No,No,Doug Wiser,COO,(801) 928-2769,doug.wiser@es3inc.com,Jay Randolph,"Director, SE Operations",(478) 957-1278,jay.randolph@es3inc.com,"ABSTRACT: The U.S. Air Force typically requires restoration of corrosion affected aircraft components in hidden and/or hard to access areas. These aircraft structure and components are typically manufactured from aluminum substrates, as well as other alloys like titanium, and low alloy, PH and Cres steels. Current repair techniques will inspect, clean, and then apply Corrosion Preventative Compounds to prevent/reduce additional corrosion, but limited access and/or complex part geometries hinder dimensional restoration in some applications. Additionally, these traditional repair techniques may utilize and/or produce hazardous materials and waste. Consequently, ES3 will develop a new cold spray repair technique designed to be portable, MIL-Spec approved, and provide controlled dimensional restoration using an environmentally friendly, corrosion resistant coating application for limited access areas. In Phase I, ES3 will identify candidate part applications across the AFMC depots, develop cold spray nozzles for limited access applications for existing COTS Cold Spray equipment, develop low to mid pressure (up to 250 KSI) cold spray repair applications for typical 7XXX and 2XXX series aluminum substrates, and conduct a Demonstration/Validation on representative aircraft structure. Subject cold spray development will focus on repair techniques that can be used both at depot and field level activities with a portable application. BENEFIT: Research conducted for this effort will focus on the evaluation and development of the low to mid-pressure cold spray applications for repair of 7XXX and 2XXX series aluminum aircraft structure for dimensional restoration of areas damaged by corrosion. The following list potential benefits ES3 expects from use of the low to mid-pressure cold spray repair applications based on both industry and in-house research: Dimensional restoration capability for limited access areas Depot (fixed) and Field (portable) level repair capability Corrosion resistance improvements Wear resistance improvements Environmentally-friendly process"
Improved LHE Zn-Ni and Cd Plating Process,FA8222-14-M-0010,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,(ES3) Engineering & Software System Solu,"550 West C Street, Suite 1630",,San Diego,CA,92101-,Yes,No,No,Doug Wiser,COO,(801) 928-2769,doug.wiser@es3inc.com,Craig Pessetto,M&P Chief Engineer,(801) 663-1549,craig.pessetto@es3inc.com,"ABSTRACT: Landing gear platings, such as LHE Zn-Ni and Cd are designed to protect the base material from the environmental effect of field use. Inherent to the electroplating process is the introduction of hydrogen into the high strength steel (HSS) aircraft component, which can cause hydrogen embrittlement (HE). Currently the plating processes are followed by HE relief bake for a minimum of 23 hours at 375°F +/-25°F. Informal testing of LHE Zn-Ni has shown that a shorter HE relief bake time (1-2 hours) was adequate, to allow the hydrogen to diffuse from the HSS aircraft components, through the plating. Decreased bake times would result in significant reductions in OO-ALC overhaul workflow times, energy usage, depot process inventory, and new spares costs. Reduced processing time will lead to significant cost savings for the USAF and industry. In this Phase I SBIR effort, ES3 will design a battery of tests to investigate the feasibility of reducing the HE relief bake time for LHE Zn-Ni and Cd. Phase I efforts will lead into Phase II, full scale qualification testing, that will validate reduction of HE relief bake for LHE Zn-Ni, Cd and other common platings such as chromium (chrome) and nickel (Ni). BENEFIT: ES3 anticipates the results of Phase I work will validate the feasibility and need for immediate pursuit of Phase II efforts. ES3 anticipates that reduction of required post plating HE relief bake times will provide DoD and aerospace industry with a faster and more reliable means of LHE Zn-Ni, Cd, chrome or Ni plating HSS structural aircraft components. It also allows for significant man-hour savings, reduced process flow days and inventory cost avoidance. This process improvement will lead to a reduction of the following 1) production floor space, 2) energy consumption, 3) oven maintenance and 4) possible missed bakes which cause re-bakes."
Material and Process Specification Optimization,FA8117-14-C-0020,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149995.00,(ES3) Engineering & Software System Solu,"550 West C Street, Suite 1630",,San Diego,CA,92101-,Yes,No,No,Doug Wiser,COO,(801) 928-2769,doug.wiser@es3inc.com,Roger Jesson,Project Engineer,(405) 458-5026,roger.jessen@es3inc.com,"ABSTRACT: As financial constraints become more pronounced for the DOD, and industry in general, the need for efficiency and elimination of waste becomes ever more important. Factories and repair depots expend tremendous amounts of resources applying high technology coatings to improve the performance of components and systems. The materials and application processes used for these coatings have been developed around""generic""specifications to enable applicability to many, if not all, industries at the lowest possible cost. The DOD and OEM coating requirements are quite stringent and the generic industry specifications do not adequately define materials that ensure high coating application success and consequently result in unnecessary cost and wasted resources. ES3 proposes to address the coating application unnecessary cost and wasted resources by creating a new set of material and process specifications that will be developed around the Air Force repair depot specific coating requirements and specific application equipment. The new set of material specifications will be designed to minimize procurement costs but yet maximize control of the feed stock materials manufacturing parameters. This Phase I effort will prepare for Phase II activities that will focus on design, qualification and implementation planning efforts. BENEFIT: ES3 anticipates the results of Phase I work will validate the feasibility and need for immediate pursuit of Phase II efforts. The immediate benefit will be reduced repair depot operational costs as a result of: A) higher throughput, B) reduced rework, C)reduced flow days, D) reduced metallurgical laboratory testing, E) reduced consumable material cost, F) reduced maintenance of equipment, and, G) reduced engineering support. If the government approves the release of the new material specifications, OEM""s and commercial applicators will have the option of using them. The intent is to have the new set of material specifications be a subset of the existing material specifications to minimize the need for T.O. documentation changes or requalification."
Economic Alternative to Wc-Co HVOF Composition for ID Applications for Landing Gear,FA8222-14-M-0013,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149958.00,(ES3) Engineering & Software System Solu,"550 West C Street, Suite 1630",,San Diego,CA,92101-,Yes,No,No,Doug Wiser,COO,(801) 928-2769,doug.wiser@es3inc.com,Richard V. Straten,HVOF Engineering Chief,(801) 698-7939,richard.vanderstraten@es3inc.com,"ABSTRACT: Currently, the Unites States Air Force (USAF) Landing Gear community is implementing Electrolytic Hard Chrome plate (EHC) replacement for line of sight applications utilizing HVOF technology. The chemical formulations chosen for this application are WC-Co and Tungsten Carbide Cobalt Chrome (WC-Co-Cr). Due to the high hardness, grinding and finishing processes are more difficult for HVOF versus EHC. Tthe need exists for more economic alternatives suitable for the less demanding Inner Diameter (ID) applications. This project will focus on economical spall resistant, corrosion resistant, and seal compatible coating materials that will provide a valid replacement for expensive WC-Co ID repairs. The ES3 team has extensive experience in all aspects of landing gear & aircraft overhaul, and materials & processing for landing gear parts. There are two different technologies that ES3 will explore for the Phase I feasibility study of the SBIR. The two technologies are: HVOF-ID HVAF-ID Numerous tests will be performed on the applied materials to show that the applied coatings possess the qualities necessary to make it an acceptable material. The chosen system and material can be specified for standard maintenance at USAF Air Logistic Centers (ALC""s) and Navy Air Depots. BENEFIT: Research conducted to develop an economic coating process that can replace tungsten carbide coatings for ID""s of landing gear components, focuses on military applications; however, benefits will be similar for all commercial & military landing gear that need IDs restored to original dimensions. ES3 expects the following benefits from either the HVOF-ID or the HVAF-ID systems coating the ID of steel landing gear components based on both industry and in-house research: Non-line of sight surfaces of worn or damage IDs can be restored to serviceable condition in place of WC-Co. Increased supportability of steel landing gear parts for USAF and commercial industry Reduction in ownership cost for the USAF and commercial industry Processes could be used to repair other aircraft parts including hydraulics"
"Corrosion- Preventative, Super-hydrophobic Coatings for Landing Gear",FA8222-14-M-0015,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149987.00,(ES3) Engineering & Software System Solu,"550 West C Street, Suite 1630",,San Diego,CA,92101-,Yes,No,No,Doug Wiser,COO,(801) 928-2769,doug.wiser@es3inc.com,Richard V. Straten,HVOF Engineering Chief,(801) 698-7939,richard.vanderstraten@es3inc.com,ABSTRACT: USAF Landing gear are subject to extreme corrosion. Processes are used to extend component life without introducing additional modes of failure. Corrosion can still occur if compromised by wear or damage. A breakthrough processing Diatomaceous Earth (DE) was patented by Oak Ridge National Labs. It allows the treatment of particles so that water cannot coexist with DE. This is referred to as Super Hydrophobic (SH) and repels water. SHDE would create a barrier within existing plating/paint/coating for the life of the component. The objective of this effort is to demonstrate increased corrosion resistance by applying SHDE to existing paint and platings used on USAF Landing Gear assets. A Business Case Analysis and Return on Investment would support the decision to implement across the entire DoD. BENEFIT: Research to develop a coating process which will economically reduce corrosion rates can have benefits for all commercial & military landing gear. ES3 expects: Reduction in corrosion rates Increased corrosion protection in paint and dry film lubricants and as a sealant and in threaded fasteners Non Hydrogen embrittling
Restoration of Dimensional Tolerances,FA8222-14-C-0003,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,1177838.00,(ES3) Engineering & Software System Solu,"550 West C Street, Suite 1630",,San Diego,CA,92101-,Yes,No,No,Doug Wiser,COO,(801) 928-2769,doug.wiser@es3inc.com,Craig Pessetto,Chief M&P Engineer,(801) 928-1150,craig.pessetto@es3inc.com,"ABSTRACT: When the inner diameter (ID) of a landing gear aluminum alloy outer cylinder is damaged or worn there is very little that can be done to restore the ID of the cylinder. Consequently, the outer cylinder has to be condemned and taken out of service. A coating repair for aluminum alloy cylinder IDs that builds thickness, which can be machined to size, would be of great value to the United States Air Force (USAF). ES3 has completed a considerable amount of testing in both Phase I and II to develop a Magnetron Sputtering System (MSS) process for use in repair of the ID of aluminum landing gear outer cylinders. Results of testing have shown the MSS performed very well in all of the testing and has great potential to be used in repairing oversized aluminum alloy landing gear outer cylinders. Phase II.5 will include additional ID wear and load testing, a complete update of prototype equipment, installation cost study, sputtering specification draft as well as initiate performance tracking of sputtered components. This Phase II.5 effort will prepare for Phase III activities that will focus on the implementation of the MSS process. BENEFIT: ES3 expects Phase II.5 tests and PTP to show that ID sputtered aluminum alloy is a perfect material for rebuilding inner diameters of cylindrical aluminum alloy aircraft parts. The Plug & Coat Deposition device, however, is not limited to applications of aluminum alloys. Almost any metal or alloy may be deposited on the internal diameter of cylindrical parts. This ability allows a number of important applications in the civilian sector to be commercialized. The magnetron sputtering process can also be used to sputter chrome onto the ID of steel outer cylinders. Sputtering can be used to apply coating of several metallic materials such as nickel, titanium, aluminum, steel, etc. Chromium replacement is even more important now, as the EPA significantly reduced the hexavalent chrome personal exposure limit (PEL) in January 2006 to a level that requires the hexavalent chrome plating process to be replaced or drastically reduced. With little alteration, the coating equipment built in Phase II.5 can be used to demonstrate ID chromium replacement for numerous products in numerous arenas. Oil well sucker pumps have cylindrical pump barrels that historically have chromium plated IDs. A ceramic chromium material can be sputtered on the pump barrels ID in lieu of chrome plating. Use of such an ID material is expected to increase oil well sucker pump lifetime by a factor of 5 or more. This is important to oil well production economics because the removal and replacement of sucker pumps, many times from more than 10,000 feet in depth, is an expensive operation. Increased lifetime for these pumps lowers the cost of oil from well production."
Development of cloud based analysis of additive manufacturing process techNology,DE-SC0011394,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149844.00,"AltaSim TechNologies, LLC",130 East Wilson Bridge Road,Suite 140,Worthington,OH,43085-2527,No,No,No,Kyle Koppenhoefer,Dr.,6148617015,kyle@altasimtechnologies.com,Jeffrey Crompton,Dr.,6148617015,jeff@altasimtechnologies.com,"Additive manufacturing technology creates objects using a sequential layering process that directly contrasts with the traditional subtractive approaches commonly used to manufacture the majority of fabricated components. The additive manufacturing technology can be used anywhere throughout the product life cycle, from pre-production to full-scale production in addition to tooling applications and post-production customization. The development of detailed additive manufacturing processes is currently dealt with through a combination of experience combined
with exhaustive trial and error based testing and evaluation methods. These approaches are inherently time consuming and expensive thus leading to considerable delays in the exploitation of additive manufacturing process technology. Physics based predictive computational analysis procedures can replace
trial and error based experimental approaches to provide a platform for the structured development of additive manufacturing process technology."
Advanced Finned-tube Heat Exchanger with an Integrated Phase Distributor,N00014-14-P-1166,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79974.00,"Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.",1046 New Holland Avenue,,Lancaster,PA,-,No,No,No,Frank Frank.Morales,Accounting Clerk,(717) 295-6092,Frank.Morales@1-act.com,Michael Ellis,Lead Engineer,(717) 295-6082,Mike.Ellis@1-act.com,"Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) proposes the development of an advanced finned-tube heat exchanger with an integrated phase distributor. Studies have shown that the heat transfer improvements available in the commercial market allow for smaller and lighter heat exchangers compared to conventional heat exchangers. In addition, as these heat exchangers use straight fins, they provide excellent condensate drainage. The primary drawback of these smaller tubes is the potential for maldistribution of the two-phase flow exiting the expansion valve. Maldistribution has been shown experimentally to decrease heat exchanger capacity by up to 30%. The phase distributor proposed by ACT will address this challenge by separating the majority of the vapor produced by expansion of the working fluid. The separated phases are then distributed to the heat exchanger. As a result, the heat exchanger design proposed by ACT will provide improved heat transfer efficiency without the drawbacks of flow maldistribution or condensate build-up."
Environmental Control Unit with Integrated Thermal Storage,W911QX-14-C-0014,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,1,149961.00,"Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.",1046 New Holland Avenue,,Lancaster,PA,-,No,No,No,Frank Morales,Accounting Clerk,(717) 295-6092,Frank.Morales@1-act.com,Michael Ellis,Lead Engineer,(717) 295-6082,Mike.Ellis@1-act.com,"Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) proposes the development of an Environmental Control Unit (ECU) that uses an integrated Phase Change Material (PCM) to provide thermal energy storage. The PCM is contained within the system. During the thermal energy regeneration or collection stages of operation, the coolant is pumped through the PCM to remove or deposit thermal energy, respectively. Integration of the PCM with the ECU provides the capability to reject stored thermal energy when the ambient conditions are favorable for cooling and to store this energy when they are not. The ECU can then be sized for less demanding operating conditions rather than the high demand experienced during peak conditions. Sizing an ECU in this manner allows for reduction in component size, which leads to reduced power consumption by these systems while providing equivalent cooling. As of 2009, the U.S. Army fielded 15,000 ECU""s ranging in size from 6k to 60k BTUh (0.5 to 5 tons) as part of 180 different systems. Even for the smaller units addressed by the solicitation (9k and 18k BTUh), the savings for this small improvement are significant. Integrating thermal storage into ECU""s has the potential to provide these savings."
Enhanced Dropwise Condensation for Improved Dry Cooling Efficiency,DE-SC0011317,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149999.99,"Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.",1046 New Holland Avenue,,Lancaster,PA,-,No,No,No,Frank Morales,Dr.,7172966104,frank.morales@1-act.com,Richard Bonner,Dr.,7172956105,Richard.Bonner@1-act.com,"Industrial and utility applications utilizing dry cooling for condensing process steam are less efficient than their closed-loop cooling counterparts, resulting in higher energy consumption and operating costs. However, dry cooling is a necessary process in areas where cooling water supply is not available due to competing demands for water. The inefficiencies in dry cooling are largely due to the condensation heat transfer process in the condensing tubes. The objective of the proposed Phase I effort is to enhance the condensation heat transfer within the condensing tubes using a cost effective coating method, thereby improving dry cooling efficiency. Improving the efficiency of dry cooling operations will reduce the size of dry cooling systems, carbon emission and power consumption for cooling fans. Ultimately, this will result in approximately 15% reduction in capital and operating costs. During the Phase I effort, the cost effective coating system will be evaluated for improved condensation heat transfer compared to a baseline system. Additionally, a representative dry cooling system for a large power generation facility (~1.8 GWt) will be modeled using experimentally determined heat transfer coefficients to reveal the improvement in, not only dry cooling efficiency, but also power generation efficiency. The proposed coating technology will be applicable to copper condensing tubes currently used in dry cooling systems by a cost-effective method, thus making the conversion to the more efficient condensation process attractive and affordable."
An Innovative VOCs Incinerator,DE-SC0011884,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149989.00,"Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.",1046 New Holland Avenue,,Lancaster,PA,-,No,No,No,Chien-Hua Chen,Mr.,7172956116,chien-hua.chen@1-act.com,Chien-Hua Chen,Mr.,,chien-hua.chen@1-act.com,"An innovative, high destruction efficiency, and low fuel consumption VOCs incinerator is proposed to reduce VOCs from condensate tank, or other low heat value waste gas emissions from different air pollution sources. The proposed technology use highly effective heat recirculation to extend the flammability of the reactants stream. There is no moving part or catalyst involved that significantly reduces the capital and operational cost. The Phase I work will focus on demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed concept. A bench scale incinerator will be designed and fabricated. Steady and unsteady state input tests will be performed. In addition, collaboration with interested partners will be built up. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The proposed technology could be applied to several waste gas incineration applications, such as landfill gas, chemical plants, hospital, etc. The low fuel consumption, high destruction efficiency, and low capital and operational cost are the competitive edges of this technology."
"High Accuracy, Turnkey, Minimum Hot Surface Ignition Test Apparatus",FA2487-14-C-0191,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,"Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.",1046 New Holland Avenue,,Lancaster,PA,-,No,No,No,Frank Frank.Morales,Accounting Clerk,(717) 295-6092,Frank.Morales@1-act.com,Matt Flannery,Research Engineer,(717) 295-6076,Matt.Flannery@1-act.com,"ABSTRACT: This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop and demonstrate a test apparatus for determining the minimum hot surface ignition (HSI) temperature of flammable liquids. Flammable liquids leaking onto hot surfaces, such as those in an aircraft engine bay, present fire hazards. To properly assess and mitigate these hazards, an in depth knowledge of the HSI process is required. However, due to non-standardized testing and non-uniform surface temperatures, there have been large variations in published HSI data. Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT), in collaboration with Dr. Vytenis Babrauskas, proposes to develop a turnkey hot surface ignition test apparatus with a highly isothermal surface which can be used across multiple research groups to standardize HSI testing and provide accurate results of the minimum HSI temperature of flammable liquids. This custom designed turnkey system will have the capability of controlling the complex variables involved in HSI, such as surface temperature, equivalence ratio, air flow currents, air pressure, and test fluid temperature. BENEFIT: ACT has developed turnkey test apparati for many customers and develops isothermal products for the temperature calibration industry. To commercialize the technology, ACT will manufacture the turnkey HSI test apparatus and market the product toward research institutes, colleges and universities, and companies interested in analyzing HSI risks. The addition of this technology will expand ACT""s product line in the turnkey test apparatus and temperature calibration markets."
"Highly Efficient, Compact Hydrogen Generator for use in Marine Diesel Engines",H92222-14-P-0044,DOD,SOCOM,SBIR,2014,1,149953.00,"Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.",1046 New Holland Avenue,,Lancaster,PA,-,No,No,No,Frank Frank.Morales,Accounting Clerk,(717) 295-6092,Frank.Morales@1-act.com,William G. Anderson,Chief Engineer,(717) 295-6104,Bill.Anderson@1-act.com,"The proposed study will investigate several technology concepts capable of producing hydrogen on site from water and supplying it to an operating marine diesel engine. Addition of a small amount of hydrogen to the intake air-fuel charge can enable the engine to operate with better performance, efficiency, and with fewer harmful greenhouse gas emissions. The concepts being considered will be thoroughly analyzed and included in a well documented feasibility study. The result of this study is the recommendation of the concept that best meets the requirements set forth by the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM). Advanced Cooling Technologies (ACT) will carefully evaluate what is in the art of possible to meet the specifications set forth by SOCOM. Advanced computational engine modeling will be carried out by ACT""s partners and utilized for validation of the proposed concepts in the Phase I study. Special attention will be paid to the overall energy balance of each technology in order to maximize gains in engine efficiency while meeting or exceeding current engine performance. ACT expects to both identify and establish a development plan for the most promising technology by the end of the Phase I effort."
Vortical-Flow Direct Contact Air Washer for Corrosion Prevention,FA8501-14-P-0010,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,"Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.",1046 New Holland Avenue,,Lancaster,PA,-,No,No,No,Frank Morales,Accounting Clerk,(717) 295-6092,Frank.Morales@1-act.com,Michael Ellis,Lead Engineer,(717) 295-6082,Mike.Ellis@1-act.com,"ABSTRACT: Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) proposes to develop a Liquid Desiccant (LD) based Air Washer (AW) by utilizing Vortical-flow, Direct-contact Mass Exchanger (VDMX) technology recently developed by ACT. This system is based on principles similar to conventional Liquid Desiccant Air Conditioning systems (LDAC), such as falling film or porous wheel, but with the added capability of removing corrosion-causing chlorides from incoming salty air. Furthermore, the proposed VDMX design offers an additional benefit over conventional LD systems: significantly higher throughput for a specific device volume. For instance, unlike falling film LD systems, this device has been shown to handle high air velocity with zero entrainment of droplets. This advantage allows for the VDMX to process considerably more air flow than a traditional LD system of equivalent volume. The result is the potential for a smaller, lighter, and less expensive LD system that, in addition to dehumidification, is also capable of particle filtration. BENEFIT: If the Phase II program is successful, ACT will have designed, fabricated, and demonstrated an effective dehumidification and chloride filtration system for military aircraft hangers. This approach could also be applied to other facilities at coastal locations where corrosion is a concern, including commercial aircraft hangers, manufacturing facilities, storage facilities, and data centers. At the end of the Phase I program, ACT will investigate these markets and identify a commercial partner for collaboration in Phase II."
Aircraft Mission Planning Equipment (MPE) Obsolescence,FA8750-14-C-0035,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149710.00,Visionary Products Inc.,11814 S. Election Rd,Suite 200,Draper,UT,84020-,No,No,No,Gary Olsen,VP Business Development,(801) 260-4010,garyo@vpieng.com,Paul Israelsen,Director Engineering,(801) 260-4008,pauli@vpieng.com,"ABSTRACT: A Universal Data Transfer Device (UDTD) is proposed which will standardize Data Transfer Devices used in various forms of aircraft. This proposal is for a Phase I effort that will investigate options for a new technology developing proposing new standard for digital, removable, ruggedized, plug compatible, upgradeable system with higher capacities than current systems and has the ability to address additional""digital only""features. Specific features to be added will be addressed in the investigation, but might include on-cartridge encryption and fast zeroize feature. VPI""s subcontractor, The Utah State University Research Foundation Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) has been contracted on several Data Transfer Device reader systems over the years, including current work on the ODD-EC system, which is a universal reader for LRU, MTDC, VDC, B52 and ADTC cartridges. These cartridges are used in USAF F16, F22, B52 and other aircraft. SDL has also contracted to develop readers for Navy SHARP and Marine ATARS sensors. Goals for this investigation will be to: Reduce obsolescence Minimize cost All designs government owned Maximize number of aircraft compatible with the UDTD The UDTU will auto-configure Allow similar workflow to current cartridges BENEFIT: A significant factor in VPI""s success is the integration of a variety of engineering emphasis into a self-sufficient team. These include: electrical engineers, computer engineers, mechanical engineers, production specialists, robotics engineers, RF engineers, and IT specialists. This broad specialty range allows us to undertake diverse and complicated projects successfully. The proposed technology fits with company objectives to sell technology that can be integrated with hardware in a variety of military applications. Our company""s mission is to deliver outstanding engineering services and to increase the offering of high quality products that fit within our design and development expertise, which includes robotic, sensor, imaging, and embedded system products. Benefits of the proposed solution include: UDTD Physically adapted to different airframes by redesigning the outer shell Electrically adapted to different airframes by changing code in the Interface Adapter FPGA UDTD is erasable while not inserted in an aircraft or attached to a ground station. Memory for the UDTD is solid state Flash, either in the form of a SSD or SD Flash card. Both SSD and SD Flash are removable from the UDTD, allowing reading in a standard PC UDTD can also be read using a USB cable attached to a PC."
A Stereo Camera System for Measuring Coastal Currents,WC-133R-14-CN-0078,DOC,NOAA,SBIR,2014,1,94996.00,3SRM Inc,965 Hao Street,,Honolulu,HI,96821-,No,No,No,"John N. Porter, Ph.D",Owner,(808) 373-3243,porterj005@hawaii.rr.com,"John N. Porter, Ph.D",Owner,(808) 373-3243,porterj005@hawaii.rr.com,"Rip currents cause multiple drowning deaths each year as swimmers are often unaware of the location and strength of coastal currents. Currently, ocean safety officials do not have an affordable and reliable commercial system which can measure coastal currents. The goal of this Phase I study is to test a stereo camera system to measure the speed, direction, and location of alongshore currents and rip currents. The proposed stereo camera system will employ cameras mounted on pan-tilt systems for flexible use. As an additional tool, a smart phone application will be tested to measure currents over a limited area. Test measurement will be carried out with different camera configurations and for different beach settings. The creation of the new stereo camera system and the smart phone application will give ocean safety officials and beach goers a way to measure coastal currents before entering the water hopefully preventing dangerous events. Best practices for using the new observations will be studied as part of an expert and general public meeting and recommendation will be documented."
A Fail-Safe Reusable Forward Closure System,N68335-14-C-0112,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79969.00,Advanced Materials and Devices,4451 Lynnfield Way,,Reno,NV,89519-0929,Yes,No,No,Faramarz Gordaninejad,President and CEO,(775) 826-8868,f.gordaninejad@amadinc.com,Michael McKee,Research Engineer,(775) 826-8868,m.mckee@amadinc.com,"This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I effort will demonstrate the feasibility of a fail-safe reusable Forward Closure System (FCS) for use in underwater launch tubes. The proposed FCS will be reusable, fail-safe, scalable, capable of withstanding pressures, and have an opening time on the order of milliseconds, while protecting a payload from exposure to sea conditions. Multiple actuation methods and sealing methods will be designed, analyzed, and evaluated. The objectives of this effort are to: 1) Design reusable FCS concepts, 2) Evaluate the FCS designs through analysis, modeling, and simulation, 3) Perform a trade study for down selection, 4) Demonstrate that the requirements are met, and 5) Demonstrate operability to sub-scale laboratory bench testing. By successful completion of the project, a fail-safe reusable FCS design will be delivered along with analysis, simulations, and bench-testing results to show the feasibility for use in underwater launch tubes."
Controllable and Adaptable Lateral Support System,N68335-14-C-0113,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79944.00,Advanced Materials and Devices,4451 Lynnfield Way,,Reno,NV,89519-0929,Yes,No,No,Faramarz Gordaninejad,President and CEO,(775) 826-8868,f.gordaninejad@amadinc.com,Barkan Kavlicoglu,Senior Engineer,(775) 826-8868,b.kavlicoglu@amadinc.com,"This SBIR Phase I and Phase I Option effort will demonstrate the feasibility of a controllable missile lateral support system that reacts automatically to shock and vibration inputs. The proposed design concept will utilize a smart material to provide automatically controllable shock and vibration damping for variable payload weights contained within the missile tube. Modeling and simulation will be conducted based on the system requirements and operational scenarios. A subscale conceptual design will be tested, evaluated, and delivered. Existing submarine shock and vibration isolation systems are passive systems that do not have the ability to accommodate changes in the payload. The proposed system will eliminated this drawback, since the damping will be adjusted based on the acceleration feedback provided to a control system. The proposed system will be sustainable and designed as fail-safe, where during a power supply interruption it will behave as a passive isolator."
Monitoring Individuals at Risk for Traumatic Brain Injury,H133S140023,ED,ED,SBIR,2014,1,75000.00,Advanced Medical Electronics Corp.,6901 East Fish Lake Road,Suite #190,Maple Grove,MN,55369-5457,No,No,No,Brian J. Bard,Program Specialist,(202) 245-7345,brian.bard@ed.gov,Kevin Kramer,,(763) 515-5315,kkramer@ame-corp.com,"The project will create an affordable system to monitor adolescent athletes in contact sports to identify individuals at risk for traumatic brain injury from continual sub-concussive impacts. The need is to reduce the risk of long term brain injury by providing tools to tell when it's risky/safe to play and find areas where strength training and technique may reduce risk on an individual
level. The system will create a cumulative, personalized history and profile of impacts including sub-concussive impacts for use in long-term risk management. The data will available on web interfaces custom designed for parents and coaches. The log will give parents and athletes an overall picture of the risk in comparisons to other athletes to allow them to make better decisions. Coaches and trainers will have software that will show impact data for individuals of the team. These data will help coaches and trainers find players who are using incorrect techniques for activities such as tackling with the helmet. It can also help identify players who should be watched more closely due to unusual impact data to determine the cause. Solutions could involve more strength training, changing their style of play or stopping play in the sport."
Preventing Program Hijacking via Static and Dynamic Analyses,N00014-14-C-0197,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,2,863602.00,Zephyr Software LLC,2040 Tremont Rd,,Charlottesville,VA,22911-8653,No,No,No,Jack W. Davidson,President,(434) 242-4280,jwd@zephyr-software.com,Clark L. Coleman,Research Scientist,(434) 284-3002,clc@zephyr-software.com,"To hijack the execution of a program, an attacker must overwrite the value of a return address or a function pointer (broadly defined). To prevent program hijacking, our product will provide a layered defense of these two targets, including deterministic and randomization defenses, with the ability in many cases to continue execution after a hijacking attempt is prevented. Our product toolkit includes static analysis of the program binary to be protected (no source code required) and dynamic monitoring using virtual machine technology after deployment. The randomization defense can be used to provide artificial software diversity."
Mobile Vibratory Impactor for AI-Based Detection of Void under AM-2 Matting,N68335-14-C-0242,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79999.00,AAC International,60 Mechanic Street,,Lebanon,NH,03766-1521,No,Yes,No,Xiaoqing Sun,Manager,(603) 448-6177,woodwall03@aol.com,Xiaoqing Sun,Manager,(603) 448-6177,woodwall03@aol.com,"A mobile vibratory roller impactor system is proposed, using AI-based pattern recognition for identification of voids through analyzing the tapping force on the AM-2 mat exerted by the roller impactor. The Phase I project will conduct feasibility demonstration of the proposed technology. The basic concepts of the proposed technology will be implemented and demonstrated on a test pad or subgrade covered by AM-2 mat for detection of various voids embedded in the subgrade at different depths. AI-based pattern recognition techniques will be applied to locate the voids by identification of the features on the records of dynamic tapping force over them. The work will address some key issues in the technology development such as selection of magnitude of tapping impact, frequency, noise reduction, transducer selection and detection criteria development. The Phase I work will be divided in two sections: base effort for experimental feasibility demonstration and optional work for numerical simulation to provide guidance for further prototype development. Successful accomplishment of the Phase I and Phase I optional work will provide us with a solid background to proceed into the full scale prototype development."
Engineered Aluminum Alloys for Additive Manufacturing,N00014-14-P-1136,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79959.00,"Advanced Powder Solutions, Inc",14102 Halprin Creek Drive,,Cypress,TX,77429-6042,No,Yes,No,Dean Baker,GM/VP,(661) 373-1729,stbaker2000@cs.com,Dean Baker,GM/VP,(661) 373-1729,stbaker2000@cs.com,"This Phase I SBIR program will develop innovative engineered aluminum powders for AM technology to replace current die cast process. This powder will solve the problems associated with SLS/SLM/DMLS processes such as reflectivity, oxide formation, fluidity, solidification. Phase I will demonstrate a powder metallurgy technique for fabricating high-temperature, oxidation-resistant composite powders/composite for AM technology. Once fabricated , the resulting component will possess porosity free complex shaped structure with corrosion resistant, high tensile and high cyclic fatigue strength properties in XY and Z direction"
Imaging through low-visibility fire smoke for ship-board navigation of robotic fire-fighting systems,N00014-14-C-0065,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,480976.00,"Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.",135 E. Ortega Street,,Santa Barbara,CA,-,No,No,No,Roger Stettner,President,(805) 966-3331,rstettner@asc3d.com,Bradley Short,Principal Investigator,(805) 966-3331,bshort@asc3d.com,"The goals of this Phase II project are to develop a prototype vision system and demonstrate its capability of locating boundaries and obstructions, normally 15 feet away, within one second in scenarios containing smoke from a real fire. This vision system needs to be compact and lightweight. ASC will fabricate and modify a new TigerCub camera and take advantages of its weather resistant ability as well as the replaceable external laser design to accomplish the task. To evaluate the system performance quantitatively and record valuable information for further improvement, there is need to carry out tests in a well-controlled fire lab. ASC will work with Dr. Brian Lattimer at Virginia Tech to control smoke densities, flame size, and water suppression effects during data acquisition. ASC will also develop a calibration procedure to quantify the accuracy because profiling uncertainty levels will be essential for later developments in high-level mapping and path planning algorithms of the robotic firefighting system. Thermal tests for equipment survival in real fire environment are more suitable to be carried out in the subsequent projects after the system accuracy has been verified and achieves the expected goal. The deliverables of this project include a prototype of the testing unit, tailored control/display software installed on a selected laptop, operational manual, status reports and the final report."
Beaconless Dual-Mode Wavefront Sensor (BlessWFS),FA9453-14-C-0036,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,746793.00,"Advanced Systems & Technologies, Inc",12H Mauchly,,Irvine,CA,92618-,No,No,No,Debra Hadley,Dir. of Administration&,(949) 733-3355,dhadley@asatechinc.com,Anatoliy Khizhnyak,Chief Scientist / PI,(949) 733-3355,akhizhnyak@asatechinc.com,"ABSTRACT: The U.S. Air Force needs a mission critical, high-performance electro-optical system capable of active or passive detection and characterization of a wavefront backscattered by an object of interest. In the AS & T novel concept proposed in the response to the Air Force requirements, a target-scattered coherent or incoherent complex optical field is detected by a dual-form optical sensor. The architecture of this beaconless wavefront sensor (BlessWFS) and direct post-processing of this detected field allows the retrieval and complete characterization of the wavefront. During Phase I AS & T designed, integrated and performed proof-of-concept experiments demonstrating the performance of the beaconless wavefront sensing technique. During Phase II, AS & T will extend the performance capabilities of the system, design and build a brassboard for verifying and optimizing the predicted system performance, demonstrate and refine laboratory operation, and estimate the working envelope. The program will culminate with a field demonstration of pre-prototype level BlessWFS performance in an operationally relevant environment. BENEFIT: An important benefit of the proposed concept is the development of an advanced sensor with unique capabilities that allows the detection and characterization of a complex wavefront from a coherent or incoherent illuminated object. The technologies developed under this effort are suitable for various applications including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance needs of ground-based systems, airborne usage, or space deployment. In the commercial sector, this technology can support needs and requirements of air-traffic control platforms, astronomic and microscopy systems, laser telecom, as well as wavefront detection during ophthalmological treatments and vision correction operations."
Advanced Adaptive Optics (AO) for Laser Weapons in Heavy Turbulence,N68335-14-C-0377,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,245310.00,"Advanced Systems & Technologies, Inc",12H Mauchly,,Irvine,CA,92618-,No,No,No,Debra Hadley,Dir. of Administratin&F,(949) 733-3355,dhadley@asatechinc.com,Vladimir Markov,President,(949) 733-3355,vmarkov@asatechinc.com,"This proposal addresses the NAVY needs and requirements for innovative solutions in laser beam control technology. To address this problem AS & T proposes to develop and demonstrate the performance of the BeaconLess Adaptive-optic System and Technology (BLAST). The role of BLAST is to enhance the capabilities in controlling of a high-power beam of NAVY Laser Weapon System (LaWS), enabling its tight focusing on an extended image-resolved target in conditions that are typical for a maritime moderate to deep turbulence environment. This will be achieved by using a specifically designed and developed optical system capable of: (i) selective detection of the fragments of the target-returned coherent or incoherent radiation, (ii) deriving the wave-function associated with detecting the fundamental features of the radiation scattered by a rough-surface target. In the proposed concept it is considered that on the illuminated area on the target each point of its surface generate a spherical wave that then back-propagates and gets detected by the receiver. The ability to select patches of the target-scattered wave-field at the receiver end allows the BLAST system to form the Beacon that is an essential element of any Adaptive Optics system required for an effective operation of the laser beam control platform."
S3: A Game Based 3rd Grade Math Curriculum,EDIES14C--25,ED,ED,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,Virtual Learning Technologies (Sokikom),2438 Old Middlefield Way #150,,Mountain View,CA,94043-,No,No,No,Snehal Patel,,,,Snehal Patel,,(202) 208-1983,,"Purpose: Children who do not learn foundational mathematical concepts during elementary school generally get further behind in math as their math deficiencies compound over time. Through a prior IES SBIR Fast-Track award, the project team developed a series of supplemental math games designed to provide elementary students with engaging, adaptive, and personalized or team-based learning opportunities. The current project will develop a digital dashboard to strengthen teacher’s ability to integrate these games within their instructional practice, and a full 3rd grade mathematics curriculum.
Project Activities: To begin the project, researchers will create wireframes of a digital dashboard to support teachers in integrating math games within instructional practice. In addition, the researchers will script instructional content, interactive exercises, graphics and video elements, and scoring algorithms for measuring progress. These components will then be integrated within the overall system. The project includes 42 weeks of iterative testing with two teachers where feedback will drive refinements of prototypes. Once development is complete, the researchers will assess the usability and feasibility, fidelity of implementation, and the promise of the product to improve student outcomes. To do so, the team will conduct a three-month long pilot study including 20 grade 3 teachers. Students will complete a pre- and post-test on measures assessing knowledge and understanding math outcomes aligned to common core math standards. Qualitative data will also be collected from teachers via questionnaires."
S3: A Game Based 3rd Grade Math Curriculum,edIES14C0025,ED,ED,SBIR,2014,2,900000.00,Virtual Learning Technologies (Sokikom),2438 Old Middlefield Way #150,,Mountain View,CA,94043-,No,No,No,Snehal Patel,,,,Snehal Patel,,(202) 208-1983,snehalp@sokikom.com,"Purpose: Children who do not learn foundational mathematical concepts during elementary school generally get further behind in math as their math deficiencies compound over time. Through a prior IES SBIR Fast-Track award, the project team developed a series of supplemental math games designed to provide elementary students with engaging, adaptive, and personalized or team-based learning opportunities. The current project will develop a digital dashboard to strengthen teacher’s ability to integrate these games within their instructional practice, and a full 3rd grade mathematics curriculum.
Project Activities: To begin the project, researchers will create wireframes of a digital dashboard to support teachers in integrating math games within instructional practice. In addition, the researchers will script instructional content, interactive exercises, graphics and video elements, and scoring algorithms for measuring progress. These components will then be integrated within the overall system. The project includes 42 weeks of iterative testing with two teachers where feedback will drive refinements of prototypes. Once development is complete, the researchers will assess the usability and feasibility, fidelity of implementation, and the promise of the product to improve student outcomes. To do so, the team will conduct a three-month long pilot study including 20 grade 3 teachers. Students will complete a pre- and post-test on measures assessing knowledge and understanding math outcomes aligned to common core math standards. Qualitative data will also be collected from teachers via questionnaires."
Advanced Littoral Combat Ship Common Mission Module Handling Device,N00024-14-P-4035,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79944.00,Advanced Technology and Research Corp.,6650 Eli Whitney Drive,suite 400,Columbia,MD,21046-1001,No,No,No,David Lupi,Director of Contracts,(443) 766-7862,dlupi@atrcorp.com,Tom Zhao,PI,(443) 766-7978,tzhao@atrcorp.com,"ATR proposes development of a Robotic Mission Module Handling System (RMMHS) to provide a highly adaptable and mobile handling device that is common to both LCS seaframes. The new system will serve as a replacement for the existing handling equipment for Mission Modules (MMs). The conceptual system takes advantage of ATR""s recent work in robotic material handling and automation. The RMMHS is designed to address the challenges and limitations of existing handling equipment aboard the Freedom and Independence variants seaframes. This modular approach takes advantage of the structural strength of the TEU or flat rack to eliminate excess equipment weight while minimizing the deck space taken up by the handling system when not in use. The small size of the RMMHS allows the operator to address and transfer a MM from any deck arrangement with minimal clearance between neighboring modules or ship structure. The intuitive remote control operation of the RMMHS is expected to reduce crew training requirements. The RMMHS is also more cost-effective to operate compared to the existing material handling equipment on both LCS seaframes."
High Sea State Automated Deployment and Retrieval of Towed Bodies from a Small Surface Platform,N00014-14-P-1142,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79890.00,Advanced Technology and Research Corp.,6650 Eli Whitney Drive,suite 400,Columbia,MD,21046-1001,No,No,No,Eric Rees,CFO/COO,(443) 766-7860,erees@atrcorp.com,David Hart,PI,(443) 766-7967,dhart@atrcorp.com,"An innovative system for deploying and retrieving towed bodies from a small surface platform is proposed which builds on previous work in the field. The Deploy and Retrieval System (DRS) employs a semi-active approach to accommodate high sea state conditions. Active sensing of relative motion is coupled with passive, compliant mechanisms to ensure safe operations in the presence of significant wave induced motion of the host vessel. A method to standardize the interface between the tow body and handling system is proposed to minimize the reconfiguration required to adapt the system to different tow bodies. The system can be readily installed on different host vessels, with minimal mechanical and control system integration required."
Sensing and Control Technology to Assist in Vehicle Launch and Recovery,N00014-14-P-1174,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79859.00,Advanced Technology and Research Corp.,6650 Eli Whitney Drive,suite 400,Columbia,MD,21046-1001,No,No,No,Eric Rees,CFO/COO,(443) 766-7860,erees@atrcorp.com,Gilbert Lovell,PI,(443) 766-7962,glovell@atrcorp.com,"Launch and recovery (L & R) of manned and unmanned systems from ships is very challenging. The relative motion between the ship and the vessel being recovered is the primary source of the difficulty. It is often difficult and time consuming to match the motion of the capture device with the vessel being recovered. As sea state increases, the reliability of most existing L & R systems deteriorates. ATR proposes a simple, compact mechanical arm with a floating capture device to launch and recover both surface craft, such as RHIBs, and underwater vehicles, such as the RMMV. The L & R system is designed with the initial intention to be used aboard the Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB), which has a relatively low freeboard. The system is designed to be portable and to utilize relatively simple sensing and control technology. With the ability to reliably launch and recover in conditions up to sea state 6, the proposed system would have clear benefits for mine warfare and special operations since availability of such craft would be increased. In addition, the L & R technology developed for the AFSB could have applicability to other ships in the Navy and other organizations both in the military and in industry."
Low Ground Clearance Vehicle Detection and Warning System,DTRT57-14-C-10028,DOT,DOT,SBIR,2014,2,749769.02,Advanced Technology and Research Corp.,6650 Eli Whitney Drive,suite 400,Columbia,MD,21046-1001,No,No,No,Eric Rees,COO & CFO,(443) 766-7860,ERees@ATRCorp.com,Tom Zhao,V.P. and Head of Robotics & Control Sys.,(443) 766-7978,TZhao@ATRCorp.com,"Highway?rail grade crossings, at which there is an abrupt change in the level of the road surface as it crosses the tracks, present a severe hang?up risk to vehicles with low ground clearance. In Phase I, ATR developed a conceptual design for a Low Ground Clearance Vehicle Detection System (LGCVDS) to actively prevent such accidents. The LGCVDS functions by measuring vehicles on approach to the crossing, detecting those with insufficient ground clearance, and triggering wayside active warning indicators to alert the driver with sufficient time and distance to stop. Phase II presents the opportunity to evolve the LGCVDS concept and demonstrate it as an effective and reliable system. To successfully monitor and protect vehicles at real?world grade crossings, the system needs to handle a wide range of vehicle types and speeds. It must be robust to adverse visibility conditions including heavy snow, rain, fog, or darkness. The keys to a deployable system will be the selection of a reliable and capable sensor and the implementation of more advanced tracking and profiling algorithms to process sensor data. Testing a completed demo system with diverse vehicles and environmental conditions will be important for quantifying system reliability."
Development of Large-Aperture Periodically Poled Magnesium Oxide-doped Lithium Niobate,DE-SC0011302,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149911.20,"ADVR, Inc.",MT,Building #1-1,Bozeman,MT,59715-6504,No,No,No,Betsy Heckel,Ms.,4065220388,heckel@advr-inc.com,Matthew Bigelow,Dr.,4065220388,mbigelow@advr-inc.com,"Optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (OPCPA) with periodically-poled nonlinear crystals is a key technology in the development of accelerator laser systems because such systems enable broadband amplification of high-energy laser pulses over a wide range of different pulse wavelengths. To avoid optical damage and the occurrence of unwanted nonlinear optical processes in the nonlinear crystal that would otherwise occur with a high-energy pulse, the intensity of the pulse must be reduced by widening the beam and expanding the aperture of the crystal as much as possible. However, it is technically challenging to periodically pole large-aperture chips with high fidelity, and none are commercially available. AdvR, Inc., proposes an innovative approach to produce cm-scale large-aperture periodically-poled magnesium oxide- doped lithium niobate (PPMgO:LN) suitable for OPCPA and other high-power nonlinear applications. AdvRs approach is enabled by its patented submount poling technique combined with recent proprietary advances in the poling setup which results in a substantial reduction in non-poling leakage current associated with poling MgO:LN. The overall objective for this Phase I SBIR project is to demonstrate the feasibility of producing periodically-poled nonlinear frequency conversion chips that have an aperture up to 10 mm. To accomplish this objective, AdvR will modify its existing submount poling apparatus and electrodes to accommodate chips up to a 10 x10 mm. An important part of this modification will be the redesign of a heating apparatus to uniformly elevate the temperature of the chip during poling which reduces the required poling voltage and improves poling uniformity. Using the upgraded submount poling configuration, poling of chips up to a thickness of 10 mm will be tried. Poling uniformity will be documented as a function of poling voltage waveform, substrate temperature, and other factors to determine the feasibility of developing an optimal poling process in Phase II for a wide range of substrate thicknesses up to 10 mm and poling periods near 30 m. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The development and commercialization of cm- scale periodically poled chips will greatly increase the power-handling capabilities of late-stage OPCPA and frequency conversion systems and thus enable the development of next-generation high-power, short-pulsed lasers for accelerator-based applications. Other commercial applications that will benefit from the development a high yield, low cost process for producing large aperture PPMgO:LN include laser based remote sensing, precision spectroscopy, laser machining, and infrared countermeasures."
Optical Waveguide Cross-Correlator for Attosecond Timing Synchronization,DE-SC0011377,DOE,DOE,STTR,2014,1,149947.60,"ADVR, Inc.",MT,Building #1-1,Bozeman,MT,59715-6504,No,No,No,Betsy Heckel,Ms.,4065220388,heckel@advr-inc.com,Tony Roberts,Dr.,4065220388,roberts@advr-inc.com,"This Phase I SBIR/STTR will establish the feasibility of developing a precision balanced optical cross-correlator using engineered nonlinear optical waveguides. The proposed device will be important for future advances at large scale accelerator facilities by providing a means to achieve long-term sub- femtosecond timing and synchronization of all of a facilitys optical and RF sub-systems over fiber optic links. The innovative balanced optical cross-correlation technique takes advantage of a wide bandwidth second harmonic generation (SHG) interaction that is possible in periodically-poled KTP (PPKTP) to measure the arrival time difference between two optical pulses while cancelling errors due to intensity fluctuations and photodetector phase noise. A waveguide-based cross-correlator offers substantial improvements compared to bulk PPKTP through orders of magnitude better SHG efficiency and compact, robust, noise-free, fiber-coupled packaging. In this Phase I effort, PPKTP waveguides will be designed, fabricated, and tested to determine if they can be used as the basis for fiber-link timing synchronization measured in attoseconds to support next-generation advances in Basic Energy Sciences user facilities. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: A robust, fiber-based device will improve and simplify precision timing at linear accelerators, improving performance and reducing maintenance and installation costs. Future advances in basic science research, radar and telecommunications, quantum communication, and quantum computation will also depend upon precision timing at attosecond time scales."
High Fidelity Heralded On Demand Single Photon Source,FA9451-14-M-0172,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149919.00,"ADVR, Inc.",MT,Building #1-1,Bozeman,MT,59715-6504,No,No,No,Betsy Heckel,Treasurer,(406) 522-0388,heckel@advr-inc.com,Tony Roberts,Senior Physicist,(406) 522-0388,roberts@advr-inc.com,"ABSTRACT: To provide reliably secure communications, development of practical quantum optical devices for ground-to-space quantum key distribution is a necessity. The overall goal of this Air Force effort is to develop and deliver a single photon source based on heralding to indicate when a photon has been generated. The proposed device will produce single photons on demand with high efficiency, narrow linewidth, high rate, and sub-Poissonian statistics providing the key technology required for deployment of free space ground-to-ground and space-to-ground links and future construction of a global quantum network. The waveguide-based technology is compact, robust, and power efficient for deployment on space-based platforms to provide provably, unconditionally secure quantum encryption meeting Air Force demands. BENEFIT: Quantum-based communication is of prime interest to corporations and government agencies with high security requirements. In cases where classical schemes are not considered trustworthy, key distribution by courier is typically used. Unlike human courier networks, quantum cryptography has the ability to detect interception of the key, has greater reliability and operating costs, and is automatic and instantaneous. For long distance quantum communication to be practical, space-to-ground links are a necessity due to the current limitations of optical fiber and photon detectors in ground-to-ground links. A space-based implementation of the technology may also answer important questions in fundamental physics by testing the properties of quantum entanglements over much greater distances than ever before, and due to earth""s gravitational curvature may even provide an insight to the relationship between gravity and quantum physics. Additionally, the path to creating entangled photon sources that are as ubiquitous as diode lasers are today has implications in whole new arenas of economic development in addition to national security."
"Low Jitter, Burst Mode Arbitrary Waveform Generation for LADAR Scene Projection",FA8651-14-C-0074,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,1486671.00,"AEgis Technologies Group, Inc.",410 Jan Davis Drive,,Huntsville,AL,35806-4545,No,No,No,Georgina Chapman,Business Development,(256) 922-0802,gchapman@aegistg.com,Derek Strembicke,"Deputy Director, Microsys",(256) 922-0802,dstrembicke@aegistg.com,"ABSTRACT: The AEgis Technologies Group proposes the design and fabrication of an active laser hardware-in-the-loop sensor stimulator and integration into the Eglin KHILS test facility. AEgis will leverage>20yrs of experience developing HWIL test instruments for real-time sensor/seeker test to deliver a complete test instrument capable of providing real world stimulus to a focal plane array sensor. The instrument will be integrated with the facility controller, scene generation computing cluster, an ultra-high speed network backbone, and close-loop coupled with the sensor/seeker to deliver the T & E technology demonstration. The work herein uses unique capabilities of dense package optical modulator with high-extinction ratio and high bandwidth along with a communication and control system that allow for instrument scalability to serve many classes of optical and RF testing. BENEFIT: The need for active laser sensor/seeker testing is a persistent challenge for DoD applications. Within the specific context of this effort; hardware-in-the-loop test and evaluation is a critical element of DoD research and development and electronics systems comprise a majority of these efforts. As such, the need for highly capable test instrumentation has always been critical to our ability to remain in the lead. These simulation systems provide incredible cost and performance benefits in the fielded systems that cannot be achieved any other way. Challenges exist now in the ability of the test instruments to provide adequate simulation for emerging system. These systems include complex platforms consisting of high-fidelity, multi-spectral sensors, their targeting and discrimination processors, and the guidance subsystems. MDA, AFRL, the Army, and the Navy are all investing in HWIL T & E in an effort to provide sufficient capability. Hyper-Computing clusters, new projectors, and injectors are being developed but methods of integrating them remain highly customized and woefully inadequate. This Phase II effort will provide the capability for laboratory data communications with more than 100x the current bandwidth, integrate the key components for dense optical modulation packaging and drive electronics, and integrate the instrument into the Eglin KHILS facility to address customer needs and demonstrate the end-to-end capability of the concept. DoD programs will directly benefit with reduced cost for test and evaluation while simultaneously improving the quality, scalability, and relevance of testing. This will result in more reliable sensors/seekers, interceptors, vehicles and aircraft systems."
Automated aircraft inlet coating,FA8650-14-C-5017,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,749915.00,"Aerobotix, Inc",125 Jetplex Circle,,Madison,AL,35758-,No,No,No,Kirk McLauchlin,Owner,(256) 772-9035,kirk.mclauchlin@aerobotix.net,Bret Benvenuti,Sr. Robotics Engineer,(256) 319-1184,bret.benvenuti@aerobotix.net,"ABSTRACT: Aerobotix is proposing to build and demonstrate a robotic coating system that is capable of spraying the entire interior of the F-22 inlet duct on an assembled aircraft. Aerobotix will utilize innovative designs for building a robotic end of arm tool, rail, and fluid delivery system to demonstrate how the coating can be applied to the required design thicknesses. BENEFITS: This automated coating system will replace the current process of manually spraying the F-22 inlet ducts, providing a safer process that saves time and money during the recoating efforts at the depot facilities. BENEFIT: Potential applications include the automated re-coating of an aircraft's inlet duct coating while in a depot state for multiple styles of fighter jets at various military locations."
"Ultra-High Precision Laser Isotope Monitor for 13CO2, CO180 and CO170",WC-133R-14-CN-0069,DOC,NOAA,SBIR,2014,1,94992.00,"Aerodyne Research, Inc.",MA,,Billerica,MA,01821-3976,No,No,No,George N. Wittreich,Executive Vice President,(978) 932-0215,gnw@aerodyne.com,"David D. Nelson, Ph.D",Vice President,(978) 932-0207,ddn@aerodyne.com,"Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the atmosphere are primary drivers of global climate change and hence there is a crucial need to quantify their sources and sinks. A general technique to constrain source and sink strengths is the analysis of the relative proportions of isotopic variants of GHG's. These measurements must be performed with extremely high precision. The gold standard technique, isotope ratio mass spectrometry, is limited by laborious sample processing requirements, high capital cost and impracticality of field deployment. Aerodyne Research has developed an alternative approach based on tunable laser infrared spectroscopy that avoids these limitations. Our commercial isotope monitor for the most important GHG gas, carbon dioxide, very nearly meets the measurement precision specified in Sub-Topic 8.3.1 for ?13C (0.01%0) and ?180 (0.02%0). The current instrument is designed for fast response continuous flow measurements whereas the solicitation calls for the measurement of discreet samples with ultra-high precision. We will improve the measurement precision to routinely exceed the solicitation requirements while measuring small discreet samples (60 ml or less). This will be accomplished with two innovations: a small volume, high vacuum multiple-pass cell and a rapid sample switching method to promote long term signal averaging without drift."
Algorithms for IR data,FA9453-14-M-0138,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149754.00,"Aerodyne Research, Inc.",MA,,Billerica,MA,01821-3976,No,No,No,Jiri Cistecky,Treasurer&Controller,(978) 663-9500,jcistecky@aerodyne.com,Frank J. Iannarilli,Principal Scientist,(978) 663-9500,franki@aerodyne.com,"ABSTRACT: We and our team partner Emu Solutions, a University of Notre Dame spin-off, will implement and ultimately deliver ISiS_PFA (Image Stabilization in Silicon_PFA), an electronics hardware implementation of our recently-invented Polynomial Factor Analysis (PFA) jitter mitigation algorithm. This algorithm works, not on an OPIR payload""s beam stabilization front-end, but rather on the stream of collected sensor images to reconstruct the jitter-free image stream. We invented PFA to surmount the shortcomings of previous jitter mitigation algorithms in the face of demanding OPIR applications, including PCA, frame registration approaches, and simplistic consumer-grade electronic image stabilization. This proposed effort will thoroughly assess and demonstrate the performance and utility of the PFA algorithm for OPIR and HyperTemporal Imaging application. From the get-go, we will endeavor to translate the PFA algorithm into a real-time hardware implementation (GPU and/or FPGA) suitable for insertion into SMCs Falcon-Shield ground-based processing center (previously the Aerospace Fusion Center) at Schriever AFB, and ultimately into real-time spacecraft data-processing firmware. Emu provides a unique""Processing-in-Memory""(PIM) inspired approach that in effect provides a massively multithreaded mobile-threadlet""operating system""on an FPGA. This is key for parallelizing the non-streamable PFA algorithm kernels while maintaining the requisite memory-access throughput. BENEFIT: Our proposed product, ISiS_PFA Image Stabilization in Silicon based on our PFA algorithm, offers cost and performance benefit for various OPIR applications and across DoD imaging surveillance and targeting applications."
Innovative Approach for Modeling the Impact of Paint Gloss on Visual and Near IR Detection,N68936-14-C-0051,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79638.00,"Aerodyne Research, Inc.",MA,,Billerica,MA,01821-3976,No,No,No,Jiri Cistecky,Treasurer&Controller,(978) 663-9500,jcistecky@aerodyne.com,Frank Iannarilli,Principal Scientist,(978) 663-9500,franki@aerodyne.com,"NAVAIR PMAs are motivated by substantial maintenance cost savings to switch aircraft paints from matte to glossy. Yet NAVAIR must confidently weigh these major cost savings against possibly serious survivability penalties from sun glints. To definitively answer these survivability trades, we propose to develop, apply, deliver and provide NAVAIR training for our GLint Assessment with SPIRITS (GLASS) Toolset. We will initially validate two modeling approaches: a SPIRITS-only approach and a hybrid approach using SPIRITS+Zemax. These 2 approaches conform to our desires to retain NAVAIR""s investment in SPIRITS, with no changes to SPIRITS itself, with minimal or no investment in model development. Our hybrid approach exploits the individual strengths of SPIRITS and Zemax, thus avoiding substantial signature model development and capability replication within either baseline code in the absence of the other. Our Phase 1 Base effort will validate the directional and radiometric prediction accuracy of these alternative modeling approaches. Our Phase 1 Option effort will acid-test both approaches for suitability and tractability against realistic complex geometries, using a COTS curved-surface surrogate model of the CH-53E. We will also establish a feasible roadmap, compatible with likely sources and our geometry workflow capabilities, for acquiring the actual CH-53K geometry during Phase 2."
JTRS Compliant Waveform for LCS Unmanned Vehicle Communications,N00024-14-P-4528,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79912.00,Aeronix Inc,1775 W. Hibiscus Blvd.,Suite 200,Melbourne,FL,32901-2627,No,No,No,Ron Capasso,President,(321) 984-1671,rcapasso@aeronix.com,Steve Iezzi,Senior Systems Engineer,(321) 984-1671,siezzi@aeronix.com,"The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) deploys multiple Unmanned Vehicles in support of the interchangeable Mission Packages. The Multiple Vehicle Communications System (MVCS) provides LCS Mission Packages with the capability to simultaneously communicate with multiple Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) and surfaced Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) by providing common data link and network communication services. Aeronix proposes the Spread SC-FDMA Anti Jam MIMO (SSAJM) JTRS SCA compliant waveform for the replacement of the RT-1944 (Sea Lancet) radio within the MVCS system. The SSAJM system has immense potential in both military environments and commercial at sea communications. The waveform will make use of Harris and Aeronix intellectual property to provide a jamming and multipath resistant waveform capable of provide broadband data rates in in a contested environment in heavy sea states (6-9). The waveform will also retain the user interface that are already in place with the current RT-1944 radio, this will enable easy integration into the MVCS and accelerated training of current users. Aeronix will also leverage Harris experience and IP, Harris has a legacy of developing solutions for the most severe communications environments including the unique LCS mission as part of the original RT-1944/U radio."
Size-Resolved Chemistry of Newly-Formed Atmospheric Particles,DE-SC0009644,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,2,930433.00,Aerosol Dynamics Inc.,935 Grayson Street,,Berkeley,CA,94710-2640,No,No,No,Susanne Hering,Ms.,,susanne@aerosol.us,Susanne Hering,Ms.,5106499360,susanne@aerosol.us,"Atmospheric nucleation processes produce large numbers of particles. Once formed, these particles grow rapidly and may alter the formation and lifetime of clouds, and thereby influence the earths radiation balance. Rapid growth of newly formed particles has been observed in many locations, but it is not known what chemical constituents contribute to this growth. While mobility-selection mass combined with spectrometry has provided important chemical data for particles above about 10 nm in diameter, data for smaller particle sizes are lacking. The problem is the low efficiency for placing a single electrical charge on these small particles, without significant multiple charging, as is required for their mobility-based size-selection. These data are required to validate models for nanoparticle growth. This work aims to improve the electrical charging, and hence the efficiency of the mobility size selection and particle collection process. Even with a unipolar charger, the fraction of particles that carry an electrical charge is small (a few percent), and this fraction decreases rapidly with decreasing particle diameter. Our approach is a condensationally-enhanced charging and evaporation method for increased efficiency of particle charging. In contrast to other condensation approaches, our method greatly reduces the time for the entire condensation-charging-evaporation process to a few tens of milliseconds, thereby minimizing the opportunity for chemical artifacts. Thermal desorption chemical ionization mass spectrometry data obtained using our condensation-evaporation system show clean ion spectra for particles sampled in chemically reacting atmospheres. This project will optimize this technique for placing a single electrical charge on particles in the 3 10 nm size range. It will also integrate the new charger with the Thermal Desorption Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer, providing critically-needed information on the species that are responsible for the growth of nascent atmospheric aerosol. Commercial Applications and OtherBenefits: This technique will enable measurement of the chemical composition of newly formed particles. Such data will have important atmospheric implications, and will improve understanding of cloud formation and global climate. Commercial applications extend beyond the atmospheric research community to the nanofabrication industry, where size-selective characterization of nanometer-sized particles is critical, and to the emerging field of ion trap mass spectrometery where controlled charging of large molecules is needed."
"Comprehensive, Time-Resolved Molecular Speciation of Gaseous and Particulate Organic Constituents in the Atmosphere",DE-SC0011397,DOE,DOE,STTR,2014,1,203682.00,Aerosol Dynamics Inc.,935 Grayson Street,,Berkeley,CA,94710-2640,No,No,No,Susanne V. Hering,Dr.,5106499360,susanne@aerosol.us,Nathan M. Kreisberg,Dr.,5106499360,nathan@aerosol.us,"Development of new instrumentation for measuring volatile organic compounds (VOC) and intermediate
volatility organic compounds (IVOC) that may react to form secondary organic aerosols (SOA) has been identified as a vital need by DOE. Revealing the detailed mechanisms leading to SOA formation from gas phase precursors is best achieved by measuring both phases with sufficient temporal resolution to track
the rapidly changing chemical composition and atmospheric conditions that directly affect these reactions. Owing to the enormous range of volatility encompassed by VOCs and OA no single instrument currently
exists that can measure both precursors and their SOA products at the molecular level. Proposed is expanding the capability of the Semi-Volatile Thermal desorption Aerosol Gas chromatograph (SV-TAG) instrument to add the measurement of I/VOCs via in-situ thermal desorption GC/MS with online derivatization. Both the precursor and resulting SOA products will be measured by a single detector providing consistent quantification. Further, using an aerosol collector ahead of the I/VOC measurement provides a regenerating filter to avoid a current limitation on stand-alone gas phase instruments when dealing with semi-volatile or polar compounds. Phase I work will focus on adapting our aerosol sampling and GC/MS interface to the collection of gas phase compounds and demonstrate the improved detection capabilities of TOFMS compared to QMS for analysis of ambient air. Key elements of the dual system will be tested during Phase I before fully integrating the two sides during Phase II work. Additionally, we will optimize the derivatization method for use on highly polar ambient I/VOCs without perturbing analysis of the non-polar components. Compounds to be tested will include previously identified SOA tracer compounds, including high polarity multifunctional organics. Phase II efforts will produce an in-situ instrument capable of hourly comprehensive organic speciation of the full range of I/VOCs through non-volatile aerosols employing a pair of miniature gas chromatographs. The expanded measurement system will remain compatible with the TAG-AMS currently under commercialization by Aerodyne Research Inc. and offers expanded capabilities for an important segment of the atmospheric research community. Besides elucidating crucial atmospheric processes, this in-situ instrument could (1) provide insights into atmospheric toxins affecting human health, (2) identify contributions to urban pollution from different combustion fuel types, and (3) yield information on compounds that affect the hygroscopicity and optical
properties of aerosols."
Advanced Radiation Hardened Data Converter For Navy Strategic Applications,N68335-14-C-0114,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79293.00,"AET, Inc.",1900 S. Harbor City Blvd.,Suite 225,Melbourne,FL,32901-,No,No,No,Thomas Sanders,Chief Financial Officer,(321) 727-0328,tjs@aet-usa.com,Glenn Hess,Chief Technical Officer,(321) 727-0328,ghess@aet-usa.com,"In this program, AET will perform research and development with the objective of developing an advanced radiation hardened data converter architecture for application in US Navy strategic programs. This advanced radiation hardened data converter will have high resolution and a high signal to noise ratio. Several architectures will be studied and the trade-offs between high resolution and bandwidth with higher precision available for lower bandwidth will be investigated. As with all strategic hardened electronics, there is an objective to reduce the size, weight, and power in the advanced radiation hardened data converter. During Phase I, the effectiveness of the proposed architecture will be demonstrated via simulation after an initial design is completed. In the Option program, AET will complete the design and layout of the data converter and deliver a GDSII file to the Navy. Then in Phase II, AET will complete the fabrication and test of the data converter and deliver samples to the Navy. AET is uniquely qualified to perform this work because of the level of experience that all of its engineers and consultants have in the design and development of radiation hardened analog integrated circuits with emphasis on modern CMOS technologies."
Intracellular Detection of Small Molecules in Live Cells,FA8650-14-C-5192,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,711624.00,"Agave BioSystems, Inc.",P.O. Box 100,,Ithaca,NY,-,No,No,No,Matt Salazar,President,(607) 272-0002,msalazar@agavebio.com,Joel Tabb,Principal Scientist,(607) 272-0002,jtabb@agavebio.com,"ABSTRACT: Protection of first responders who are exposed to hazards including chemical warfare agents (CWAs) is a very critical need. The need is derived from not only their welfare but their ability to respond, protect the community and provide logistical support to the response. A simple exposure monitor would provide critical information to the first responder and allow them to respond accordingly and to also help to monitor the environment. Exposure monitoring would also provide a more realistic picture of the threat with multiple points of sampling. Therefore, it would be useful to develop systems that could harness the body""s own chemistry to help detect the presence of CWA exposure in the field. CWAs are toxic because of their direct and indirect impact on biological processes in the human body. Agave BioSystems, in collaboration with Dr. Carl Batt of Cornell University are exploring nanoscale materials specifically tailored to create a new class of highly sensitive, robust and personal platform to determine military personnel exposure to OP CWAs. Agave BioSystems has demonstrated that the dye impregnated NPs are responsive to CWA simulants in a cellular environment. During the Phase II program, improved dye impregnated NPs and a prototype NP detector will be developed. The fluorogenic NPs will be incorporated into tattoos to create an in vivo biosensor capable of rapid detection of OP CWA exposure. BENEFIT: The possibility of CWA troop exposure to CWA agents is of major concern to the US military. A variety of systems exist to detect the presence of CWA agents in non-biological settings, but the exposure of humans to these agents can often go undetected until symptoms begin to appear. The development of a simple, biologically based system for detecting either acute or chronic CWA exposure would be of significant benefit to deployed military troops. In this STTR Phase II program, Agave BioSystems, in collaboration with Dr. Carl Batt of Cornell University, propose to develop a fluorogenic nanoparticle sensor that can be imbedded into the dermal layer of military personnel as a tattoo. This tattoo would have the unique characteristic of becoming fluorescent upon exposure to low levels of organophosphate CWAs. A small, hand-held optical sensor would then be used to record changes in fluorescence emitted from the tattoo, rapidly indicating exposure to potential CWAs. In addition to military personnel, civilian first responders are also at risk of exposure to organophosphate agents, either as CWAs dispersed by terrorists or as insecticides present in high concentrations at agricultural and industrial sites. First responders can include police, fire, and EMS personnel, as well as search and rescue, and National Guard troop. While the exact number of first responders in the US is not known, some estimate that there may be as many 10 million people who could be characterized as first responders. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 1.3 million professional and volunteer fire personnel, about 800,000 police, and about 250,000 EMTs and paramedics in the US alone. While it may not be necessary to use an implantable tattoo biosensor for detecting OP exposure in every first responder, the market for tattoos and fluorescence monitors for US military and National Guard troops, as well as police, fire and EMS personnel could be well over 1 million individuals. If even a small fraction (1%) of this number requires monitoring, the market for fluorescent biosensor tattoos and handheld monitors could exceed $10 million. In addition to the detection of OP CWAs and pesticides, implantable biosensors such as those described in this proposal, adaptation of this technology could readily yield biosensors capable of detecting a wide range of chemical contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs). Potential diagnostic markets for VOC and related compound detection include homeland security, law enforcement and the military. The chemical modularity of the approach described herein should ably address the need for real time, field deployable sensors potentially capable of detecting myriad families of chemical toxicants in a multitude of settings. Upon completion of the Phase II program, Agave BioSystems will develop a detailed Phase III plan for the commercialization of the resulting technology."
One Micrometer Resolution Structured Scintillator for Hard X-Ray Image Detection,DE-SC0011296,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149974.32,"AGILTRON, INC.",15 PRESIDENTIAL WAY,,WOBURN,MA,01801-1003,No,No,No,Amanda T. Contardo,Dr.,7819351200,acontardo@Agiltron.com,Qingwu Wang,Dr.,7819351200,kwang@agiltron.com,"Next generation three dimensional (3D) X-ray imaging requires novel x-ray scintillating materials with high efficiency and high spatial resolution. Using a conventional homogeneous scintillator plate, there is a compromise between efficiency and spatial resolution. The strong coupling between spatial resolution and efficiency renders difficulty for conventional scintillators to be used for high resolution and time resoled applications. Agiltron proposes to address these issues of conventional scintillator plates and develop structured scintillator screens with improved resolution as well as improved efficiency. The proposed efforts will leverage Agiltrons structured scintillator development for neutron detection funded through previous government funded programs. Phase I of the proposed program is to develop structured scintillator device for nuclear physics experiments applications, which can provide better than 10% efficiency for use with 20 keV X rays, and with one micrometer spatial resolution. The structured scintillating device comprises of photolithography processed silicon micro- structure filled with scintillating nanoparticles through an innovative filling process. In collaboration with Argonne National Lab, fabricated devices will be evaluated using high energy X-rays on the synchrotron light source facility at the Lab. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Potential applications of the composite scintillator include, but are not limited to industrial facilities that use x-rays, neutrons, electron beams, or ion beams for diagnostics or characterization and commercial nuclear energy sector. Other applications include medical and dental diagnostics, nuclear proliferation, high-energy physics, astrophysics, radiochemistry, medical research, and other sciences."
Fiber based seed laser for ultrafast CO2 laser systems,DE-SC0011276,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149991.06,"AGILTRON, INC.",15 PRESIDENTIAL WAY,,WOBURN,MA,01801-1003,No,No,No,Amanda T. Contardo,Dr.,7819351200,acontardo@Agiltron.com,Yuchuan Chen,Dr.,7819351200,mchen@agiltron.com,"A fiber based high performance 10-micron femtosecond seed laser is an ideal front end of ultrafast CO2 laser systems, which requires a near IR mode-locked fiber laser and a high energy pulsed pump fiber laser synchronized with the mode-locked fiber laser for frequency conversion and power amplification. Efficiently generating stable and reliable mode-locked near IR fiber laser is the primary issue and will be addressed in Phase I. The objective of Phase I is to generate femtosecond laser pulses at the specially designed near IR wavelength for the frequency conversion of10-micron femtosecond seed laser. Recently, all-fiber mode-locked laser was demonstrated in our lab can generate very stable mode-locked laser with pulse duration ~100 fs. This technology will be used to generate the required near IR femtosecond laser pulses. An all-fiber mode-locked near IR laser operating at the designed wavelength with ~100fs and the required 100Hz will be developed in Phase I, whereby the bench top laser system will be fabricated to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed OPA/OPCPA 10 m femtosecond laser. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The near IR and Mid IR femtosecond lasers in the proposed 10-micron seed laser will be beneficial in areas ranging from atomic and molecular sciences to chemical, materials, and biological studies. Also they have wildly applications in welding, cutting, medical treatment, gas sensing and free space optical communication."
Nanofluidic Sequencing of Polypeptides,W911SR-14-C-0025,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,1,99982.00,"AGILTRON, INC.",15 PRESIDENTIAL WAY,,WOBURN,MA,01801-1003,No,No,No,Amanda Contardo,Government Business Manager,(781) 935-1200,acontardo@agiltron.com,Justin Abell,Senior Scientist,(781) 935-1200,jabell@agiltron.com,"Leveraging Agiltron""s development and production of portable Raman spectrometers, Agiltron will develop a new class of polypeptide sequencers. Our approach capitalizes on recent progress in Raman spectroscopy to push the sensor performance well beyond the current state-of-the-art."
Durable Superhydrophobic Anti-icing Nanocomposite Coatings,N00014-14-P-1246,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,79928.00,"AGILTRON, INC.",15 PRESIDENTIAL WAY,,WOBURN,MA,01801-1003,No,No,No,Geoffrey Burnham,Vice President Government,(781) 935-1200,gburnham@agiltron.com,Jae Ryu,Directing Scientist,(781) 935-1200,jryu@agiltron.com,"Agiltron will develop robust and affordable anti-icing and ice-phobic surfaces that are also transparent (>%80) in visible spectrum for superstructures of surface ships in Arctic and cold region operation. Leveraging Agiltron""s previous experiences in mechanically durable superhydrophibic nanocomposite coatings and optically transparent fluoropolymer resins, in collaboration with the Ice Research Laboratory at Dartmouth College, we will produce nanotextured superhydrophobic nanocomposite coatings of hard nanoparticles embedded into a fluorinated polyurethane resin matrix, both are optically transparent in the visible spectrum. This nanocomposite coating is highly transparent, easy to apply via spray coating over large areas and containing no volatile organic compounds. In Phase I, we will develop, produce and characterize durable anti-icing and ice-phobic surfaces, including ice adhesion strength measurements at the US Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Lab."
"Light-Weight, Solar Cells with High Specific Power and Conversion Efficiency",N68335-14-C-0348,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,79153.00,"AGILTRON, INC.",15 PRESIDENTIAL WAY,,WOBURN,MA,01801-1003,No,No,No,Geoffrey Burnham,Vice President Government,(781) 935-1200,gburnham@agiltron.com,Fei Zhang,Senior Engineer,(781) 935-1200,fzhang@agiltron.com,"Agiltron in collaboration with National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will develop a new class of high-efficiency and lightweight broadband inverted metamorphic multi-junction (IMM) solar cells for the uninterrupted flight missions of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The approach is closely coupled with Agiltron""s extensive experience in high-transmittance broadband and wide-angle anti-reflective microstructures and NREL""s significant progress in high efficiency IMM solar cells to push the cell""s conversion efficiency performance well beyond the current state-of-the-art. The novel solar cells will be transferred from thick, heavy, and stiff substrates to a thin, light and flexible support handle by epitaxial lift-off process, thus meeting the NAVY""s specific-power requirement. This novel solar cell technique has several unique advantages over conventional approaches, including high conversion efficiency, high specific power, wide incident angle acceptance, broad band operation, low cost, and high flexibility, without engineering trade-offs. The technical approach will be proven in Phase I through numerical analysis, simulations and experiments. The solar cell array prototype will be designed, fabricated, characterized, and delivered to the Navy in Phase II."
Personalized Driving Data for Insurance Discounts & Public Benefits,DTRT57-14-C-10035,DOT,DOT,SBIR,2014,1,149979.00,Agnik LLC,8840 Stanford Blvd.,suite 3500,Columbia,MD,21045-,No,No,No,Kakali Sarkar,Chief Operating Officer,(410) 290-0146,kakali@agnik.com,Hillol Kargupta,President,(410) 290-0146,hillol@agnik.com,"This proposal suggests research on developing the next generation of consumer experience for Usage Based Insurance (UBI) in an increasingly socially connected world while addressing the need to protect privacy. It will enhance Agnik’s current consumer and UBI products through the following innovations:
? Collective Incentives and Game Theory: Explore the problem of risk modeling and underwriting from a social perspective using a game theoretic analytical framework in order to design loyalty programs for drivers.
? Pattern Preserving Encryption: Explore privacy-protecting data analytics algorithms for blending “pattern-preserving cryptography” with data analytics so that driver data can be analyzed without having to access raw privacy-sensitive location or driving data.
? Reducing Cost and Enhancing the UBI Experience: In addition to supporting Agnik’s existing OBD-II dongle-based solutions, Agnik and Harman International will collaborate to integrate the Agnik Onboard software with Harman
Infotainment system built into the head-unit of many vehicles. This will eliminate the additional cost of aftermarket OBDII dongles. The project will also explore integration with Harman’s iOnRoad smartphone App for improving consumer experience and enhanced actuarial calculations.
The proposed research will be performed by Agnik and Harman International. Supporting letters from Liberty Mutual and American Family Insurance Companies are enclosed."
Liquid Desiccant System for Combined Humidity and Chloride Control,FA8501-14-P-0005,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,"AIL Research, Inc.","57 Hamilton Ave, Suite 205",,Hopewell,NJ,08525-,No,No,No,Andrew Lowenstein,President,(609) 799-2605,AIL@AILR.COM,Andrew Lowenstein,President,(609) 799-2605,AIL@AILR.COM,"ABSTRACT: As stated in the solicitation, the Air Force spends $4.5 billion annually on aircraft maintenance related to corrosion. A significant fraction of this expenditure could be saved by a Corrosion Mitigation System (CMS) that both limited a shelter's indoor relative humidity to less than 50% while capturing airborne chloride particles. However, these functions, particularly humidity control, can be expensive to implement with conventional dehumidifiers. Liquid desiccant dehumidifiers are uniquely suited to efficiently control indoor humidity. Since a liquid desiccant can dehumidify air without over-cooling the air, the high latent loads of an active aircraft shelter in a humid locale can be met without excessive (and wasteful) sensible cooling. Furthermore, a liquid-desiccant CMS has the potential to capture airborne chloride particles as it absorbs moisture. Recent advances can significantly reduce the energy use and improve the O & M characteristics of a liquid-desiccant CMS. The proposed work will study (1) liquid desiccant conditioners that use membranes to prevent droplet carryover, (2) two-stage regenerators that can almost halve the thermal energy required by the CMS, and (3) non- corrosive alternatives to the traditional lithium chloride. The major deliverable for the proposed work is a recommended configuration for a liquid-desiccant CMS that could be field tested in a second phase of work. BENEFIT: If successful, the Corrosion Mitigation System (CMS) developed in the proposed work will provide the Air Force an effective means to significantly reduce maintenance costs for aircraft. The liquid desiccant technology that is the focus of this work can also be used for humidity control in standard HVAC applications. This close sharing of technology will lead to advances crossing over in both directions between the CMS and HVAC fields."
Enhanced Capacitive Deionization using Carbon Electrodes Conformally Coated with Metal Oxides by Atomic Layer Deposition,DE-SC0011825,DOE,DOE,STTR,2014,1,150000.00,ALD NanoSolutions,580 Burbank St,Unit 100,Broomfield,CO,80020-7166,No,No,No,Karen Buechler,Dr.,3033184142,kbuechler@aldnanosolutions.com,Markus Groner,Dr.,,mgroner@aldnanosolutions.com,"Access to clean water is a global problem that has led to the development of multiple desalination techniques. All techniques strive to reduce the cost of desalinating water to provide clean water in a cost effective manner. Capacitive deionization (CDI) is a new technique that can reduce the cost of ownership by ~85% compared with reverse osmosis for brackish water. This project will further improve the cost effectiveness of CDI by significantly improving the capacitance of the carbon electrodes used for CDI. The cost of these carbon electrodes accounts for ~50% of the capital cost of a CDI system. Higher capacitance is derived from adding metal oxide coatings to the carbon electrodes that are employed for CDI. Metal oxide coatings are electrochemically active and store additional ions on their surface. These extra stored ions add to the capacitance obtained from the electric double layer effect. This extra capacitance is known as pseudocapacitance. Poor metal oxide coating techniques have demonstrated increasing the electrode capacitance by more than two times. Estimates indicate that the capacitance could be increased by more than a factor of 10 if the metal oxide coating could be conformal on the entire surface area of the electrode. This project will use atomic layer deposition (ALD) to obtain larger capacitances on CDI carbon electrodes. ALD NanoSolutions and the University of Colorado will demonstrate that TiO 2 ALD coatings can significantly improve the capacitance of carbon electrodes. They will also work with a commercial partner to evaluate TiO 2 ALD coatings on carbon electrodes used for CDI. Various TiO2 film thicknesses and coating conditions will be evaluated to optimize the capacitance enhancement. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Cost effective water purification technologies can be applied to desalinate seawater and brackish water or purify wastewater. If successful, this proposed technology could significantly reduce the capital and maintenance costs of CDI systems. Cost reduction is possible by significantly reducing the surface area of the carbon electrodes needed for desalination."
Smartphone Enabled Spectroscopic Gamma-Neutron Radiation Sensor,HSHQDC-14-C-00031,DHS,DHS,SBIR,2014,1,149615.86,"RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.",44 HUNT ST,,WATERTOWN,MA,02472-4699,No,No,No,Joanne Gladstone,Vice President,(617) 668-6845,JGladstone@rmdinc.com,Kanai Shah,President,(617) 668-6853,kshah@rmdinc.com,"RMD is proposing the development of Smart-Phone Enabled Radionuclide Identifier (SERI), a new detection instrument designed to take full
advantage of smartphone / tablet technology. The hardware platform will include a new advanced scintillator that will provide both high gamma-ray
efficiency and spectroscopic performance, but also provide high neutron efficiency. The unit will communicate wirelessly to a smartphone / tablet,
providing an interface for isotope ID and reach-back functionality. The early stage research is to optimally design the hardware components while
moderating cost. Additionally, the software architecture of the accompanying application will be designed, including evaluation of key algorithms needed to determine isotope identity. The final product will be an instrument primarily geared to first responders. It will be compact, easily transportable and possibly worn, battery operable and rugged. Furthermore, with the novel detector design, it will provide a completely new level of performance."
Hard X-ray Area Detector Using Direct Converter Layer,DE-SC0011320,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,147192.03,"RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.",44 HUNT ST,,WATERTOWN,MA,02472-4699,No,No,No,Kanai N. Shah,Mrs.,6176686845,kshah@rmdinc.com,Paul Bennett,Mr.,6176686831,pbennett@rmdinc.com,"Synchrotron radiation is a powerful tool for measuring structural properties of materials. Important applications of higher energy synchrotron X-rays include measurement of strain and material evolution during processing, studies of composite materials and studies of layered systems such as environmental-barrier coatings, metal- nitride coatings and solid oxide fuel cells. Detector requirements for these applications include large area, high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, high spatial resolution and fast response. None of the existing detectors meet all of these requirements. We propose to develop a direct detection imager consisting of a compound semiconductor layer coupled to an amorphous silicon thin film transistor array. This detector promises to have higher sensitivity and higher spatial resolution than indirect detectors currently in use. In addition, a low-cost method that can easily be scaled to large areas will be employed to couple the semiconductor layer to the read out array. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: In addition to the synchrotron applications mentioned above, a high resolution, large area detector would have important applications in X-ray diffraction and medical imaging including breast tomosynthesis and portal imaging."
Fast-Timing Large-Area Detector for Neutron Scattering,DE-SC0011311,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149999.00,"RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.",44 HUNT ST,,WATERTOWN,MA,02472-4699,No,No,No,Carmen Danforth,Ms.,6176686801,KShah@rmdinc.com,Vivek Nagarkar,Dr.,6176686937,VNagarkar@RMDInc.com,"The two reflectometers at SNS serve rapidly growing communities in the fields of nanoscience, membrane bioscience, surfactant chemistry. Unique capabilities of these instruments include ultrahigh neutron intensity for in-plane diffraction and off-specular/grazing- incidence small-angle scattering measurements, and the combination of reflectometry and high- angle diffraction for resolving large-scale and nanoscopic structural/magnetic features under the same experimental conditions. While the data rates and the Q-range covered by these instruments at a single scattering angle are sufficiently high to permit real time kinetic studies on many systems, currently installed detectors do not meet the performance requirements for such studies. Thus, to meet the needs of these ever stringent scientific goals, a new class of detectors will need to be deployed for use in the reflectometers. To address this issue, we propose to develop a novel neutron detector that does not rely on the diminishing supply of 3He. The development at RMD of advanced neutron scintillators that demonstrate high absorption efficiency for neutrons and exhibit neutron/gamma discrimination by pulse shape (PSD) and pulse height (PHD), combined with recent advances in large-area picosecond timing resolution photodetectors, has now made it possible to develop advanced neutron detectors with the potential to realize a transformational impact on neutron detection and imaging. By combining these new technologies, we will develop a neutron detector that simultaneously provides nanosecond temporal resolution, high detection efficiency for thermal neutrons, tileable large area modules, and sub-millimeter spatial resolution while supporting necessary count rates available at the reflectometer instruments. Goal of the Phase I research is to demonstrate feasibility of the proposed detector. The novel scintillation materials will be fabricated in a special format and integrated into a unique readout sensor to realize a prototype detector. The detector will be tested at ORNL to demonstrate its efficacy for implementation into reflectometer instruments. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Large area neutron detectors with fast timing, high spatial resolution, and high efficiency for thermal neutrons are needed for numerous applications, ranging from non-destructive testing to baggage scanning at entry ports. In addition to safeguarding nuclear facilities, ensuring effective MC & amp;A in facilities, and allowing radiography/tomography in new approaches for spent- fuel storage and processing, improved scintillators and non-3He detectors are critically important to homeland security, nuclear and high-energy physics research, and the development of new sources to effectively address our nations future energy needs. The proposed detectors will also result in scientific research leading to the development of new drugs, materials, and systems that directly impact healthcare and quality of life."
Neutron-Gamma Scintillation Detector for Emergency Response,DE-SC0011374,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149997.00,"RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.",44 HUNT ST,,WATERTOWN,MA,02472-4699,No,No,No,Kanai Shah,Ms.,6176686811,kshah@rmdinc.com,Andrey Gueorguiev,Mr.,6176686832,agueorguiev@rmdinc.com,"Current radiation detectors are typically capable of detecting only one type of radiation. Therefore, the current detection systems require a number of individual detectors to be used for each type of radiation. The development of the proposed nuclear detector significantly improves the capability to identify multiple modes of radiation (gamma-rays and neutrons) along with an enhanced gamma ray resolution compared to most commercial detectors. The goal of the proposed effort is to develop a single detector capable of detecting multiple modes of radiation (gamma-rays and neutrons) with an enhanced gamma ray resolution. The proposed detector also provides discrimination of gamma-rays from neutrons using a relatively straight forward pulse height analysis. The Phase I project will be aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of manufacturing larger volumes of scintillating material and constructing detectors based on this material for simultaneous gamma and neutron detection. Commercial and Scientific Potential: A system capable of detection gamma and neutron radiations with high gamma ray resolution will easily find its application in nuclear non-proliferation. Moreover, fields such as nuclear physics, medical imaging and material sciences will benefit from this system."
Supperlattice Doped APDs for Improved UV Sensitivity in Scintillator Calorimetry,DE-SC0011316,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149999.00,"RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.",44 HUNT ST,,WATERTOWN,MA,02472-4699,No,No,No,Kanai Shah,Ms.,6176686801,kshah@rmdinc.com,Mickel McClish,Mr.,6176686801,mmcclish@rmdinc.com,"One of the proposed next generation Intensity Frontier experiments is Mu2e. Mu2e will directly probe the Intensity Frontier as well as aid research on the Energy and Cosmic frontiers with precision measurements required to characterize the properties and interactions of new particles discovered at the Intensity Frontier. In order to reach its science goals, detector upgrades are required. A key apparatus of Mu2e is its calorimeter, which will need faster and more UV sensitive photodetectors for reading out the UV emission from fast scintillators located in the calorimeter disk. RMDs silicon avalanche photodiodes (APDs) have been identified as a potential photodetector for the Mu2e calorimeter, however, this will require an epitaxial modification (superlattice doping) of the APD to increase detector UV sensitivity and speed of response. In the proposed effort our optimization will involve exploiting an epitaxial fabrication process, which has been used successfully with silicon CCDs that will improve APD UV sensitivity and temporal properties for the detection of UV scintillation emission. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Medical imaging modalities such as SPECT and PET, which use blue-UV emitting scintillators, would directly benefit from advances in the proposed technology. Likewise, hand held instruments and vehicle portals used for monitoring nuclear material movement using UV emitting scintillation crystals would benefit as well. Ultraviolet and optical astronomy would be another potential application."
Solid-State Neutron Detectors with Integrated Electronics for Nuclear Physics,DE-SC0011280,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149999.00,"RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.",44 HUNT ST,,WATERTOWN,MA,02472-4699,No,No,No,Carmen Danforth,Ms.,6176686801,kshah@rmdinc.com,Christopher Stapels,Dr.,6176686801,cstapels@rmdinc.com,"At present, detectors of fast neutrons use liquid scintillators liquid scintillators can be dangerous to handle due to their low flash points and bulkiness, and the readout of the liquid scintillator by large PMTs limits the available position resolution and ability to operate in high magnetic fields. Large arrays of detectors are hampered by the large cost of many channels of electronics and the potential for data pile up in fully digital systems. The goal of this program is to develop a basic module that can be used to build larger detector systems with multiple position sensing elements. We will further develop newly discovered plastic scintillators that have neutron versus gamma pulse shape discrimination and couple them to solid state detectors. We will optimize the light collection and determine the useful energy range while choosing the appropriate level of electronics integration to make a useful module. The proposed effort combines RMDs plastic scintillators with its solid-state optical detectors to develop a segmented spectroscopic neutron detector for systems. We will tune the compositions and then fabricate these novel plastic scintillators by using standard polymerization techniques. Subsequently, we will couple them to solid-state detectors and maximize the light collection. We will fabricate and test critical components to demonstrate feasibility in the Phase-I effort. Detector scale-up issues and implementation for nuclear physics research will be addressed in the Phase II stage. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The proposed detector technology can be used to develop major neutron detection systems at multiple university and national labs across the USA, and additional sites worldwide. The technology is also promising for nuclear- nonproliferation, other neutron imaging systems, astronomy, and non-destructive testing."
Composite Neutron-Gamma Detector,DE-SC0011911,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149985.56,"RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.",44 HUNT ST,,WATERTOWN,MA,02472-4699,No,No,No,Louise Johnson,Ms.,6176686811,ljohnson@rmdinc.com,Andrey Gueorguiev,Mr.,,agueorguiev@rmdinc.com,"Current radiation detectors are typically capable of detecting only one type of radiation. Therefore, the detection systems require a number of individual detectors to be used for each type of radiation. Also the performance to cost ratio of the currently available scintillators is high which limits their mass deployment. The development of the proposed nuclear detector significantly improves the capability to identify multiple modes of radiation (gamma-rays and neutrons) along with very low cost compared to the commercially available detectors. The goal of the proposed effort is to develop a single detector capable of detecting multiple modes of radiation (gamma-rays and neutrons) with an enhanced gamma ray resolution at very low cost. The proposed detector also provides discrimination of gamma-rays from neutrons using pulse shape or / and pulse height analysis. The Phase I project will be aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of manufacturing larger volumes of scintillating material and constructing detectors based on this material for simultaneous gamma and neutron detection. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: A system capable of detection gamma and neutron radiations at cost approaching the coast of plastic scintillators will find application in nuclear non-proliferation. Moreover, fields such as nuclear physics, medical imaging, and material sciences will benefit from this technology."
High Efficiency and Bright Neutron Converter Screens,DE-SC0011886,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,224977.53,"RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.",44 HUNT ST,,WATERTOWN,MA,02472-4699,No,No,No,Mary Abud,Ms.,6176686809,MAbud@RMDInc.com,Gary Baldoni,Dr.,,GBaldoni@RMDInc.com,"The DOE is planning to restart work at one or both of the research reactors at Idaho National Laboratory (Transient Reactor Test Facility) and Sandia National Laboratories (Annular Core Research Reactor). Neutron radiography plays a large role in the work done at these facilities and there is a desire (described in the 2009 workshop proceedings of Future Transient Testing of Advanced Fuels) to upgrade their neutron imaging capabilities which encompass relatively unique conditions due to the highly radioactive materials that are often imaged. RMD is proposing a new neutron radiography technology based upon a new scintillator material that has high light output. The material(s) are Gd-based garnets that are formed through ceramic processing. RMD will be examining how this technology can be adapted to producing large thin layers and will accordingly evaluate the optical and detection properties, before moving to a next stage of integration with photodetector readouts. RMD will be evaluating how this Gd-based garnet ceramic material can be fabricated into large areas that are conducive to radiography. One approach will be to produce the ceramics as thick blanks and process them into thin layers which can then be tiled to form large area mosaics. A second approach will be to mix the powders with appropriate binders and create large areas through either screen printing or tape casting techniques. All forms will be characterized for various qualities such as luminosity, uniformity, and spatial resolution. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: With the increased interest and commitment to quality control, many industrial groups are developing neutron based non-destructive testing equipment. High counting rates and high sensitivity are important to minimize the required source strength, which must be located on the production floor. This is an area in which the compactness, and flexibility of a high performance detector will have a major impact. Other potential applications include nuclear treaty verification and safeguards, environmental monitoring, nuclear waste cleanup, homeland security and geological exploration."
High Resolution Digital Imaging Platform for NDE Transient Testing,DE-SC0011880,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,224999.75,"RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.",44 HUNT ST,,WATERTOWN,MA,02472-4699,No,No,No,Louise Johnson,Ms.,6176686811,ljohnson@rmdinc.com,Vivek Nagarkar,Dr.,,vnagarkar@rmdinc.com,"Neutron radiography using the foil-film transfer method is currently employed for the quantitative evaluation of the geometric and compositional characteristics of nuclear fuel burn-up distribution, visualization of cracks and void formations, fuel location determination, pellet-clad and pellet-pellet gaps identification, and to understand the state of non-fuel component geometries. Although the foil-film transfer method is gamma insensitive and provides large area high spatial resolution radiographs, this process takes significant time to produce an image, which is impractical for neutron tomography. Tomographic reconstruction would allow 3D visualization of multidirectional cracks within the fuel pellets and identify density and/or burnup variations through the fuel rods. A large area digital detector that can simultaneously provide high spatial resolution and rapid response, and can operate in a harsh radiation environment is needed to accomplish these tasks. We propose to develop a novel solid-state neutron imaging detector that will allow realization of an advanced Non Destructive Evaluation (NDE) system to evaluate the geometric and compositional characteristics of fuel, including disrupted fuel, prior to disassembly. The detector we propose is insensitive to gamma radiation, offers high sensitivity to thermal neutrons, has fast temporal response, is able to image highly-radioactive specimens with high spatial resolution, and can withstand intense mixed radiation environments. Low cost modular design and easy scalability to realize very large active areas are other attractive features of the proposed detector. The goal of the Phase I research is to demonstrate the feasibility of developing a semiconductor neutron radiography detector. Several research tasks will be performed to establish the efficacy of our approach. These will include simulations to predict the device performance in the presence of intense background radiation, and to design a sensor that will enhance the device efficiency for incident neutrons. The readout circuitry and associated data acquisition hardware and software will be developed and the resulting prototype detector will be tested to demonstrate its sensitivity to neutrons, insensitivity to gamma radiation, high resolution imaging capability, and its ability to operate in a harsh radiation environment. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Large area neutron detectors with fast timing, high spatial resolution, and high efficiency for neutrons are needed for numerous applications ranging from non-destructive testing to baggage scanning at entry ports. Such detectors will be used for conducting materials research in medicine, energy, and transportation at facilities worldwide including at DOEs Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and at the Los Alamos Neutron Scattering Center (LANCE). The Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS), Department of Defenses (DOD), and DOEs future deployments of radiation detection portal monitors will benefit from the proposed development."
Robust Kr-85 Detectors for New Waste Cask Design,DE-SC0011891,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149976.79,"RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.",44 HUNT ST,,WATERTOWN,MA,02472-4699,No,No,No,Mary Abud,Ms.,6176686809,MAbud@RMDInc.com,Paul Bennett,Mr.,,PBennett@RMDInc.com,"Dry cask storage systems (DCSS) are used to store spent nuclear fuel from nuclear power plants. Without a long term storage solution in place, storage for decades in casks may be required. High burnup fuel rods may become brittle over time presenting problems for eventual transport of the spent fuel from reactor sites to a central storage facility. It is desired to passively determine the structural integrity of spent fuel assemblies by monitoring conditions inside the casks including temperatures, pressures, corrosion products and radioactive decay elements. RMD will investigate diamond detectors for monitoring radiation inside storage casks. In particular we will determine the feasibility of detecting beta particles from 85Kr in the presence of background gamma rays. Diamond is a wide band gap semiconductor that can operate at elevated temperatures and under high radiation conditions. Diamond also has high mobility of both electrons and holes enabling high count rate detection. The Phase I work plan is to fabricate diamond detectors from state-of-the-art diamond substrates, characterize electronic properties of the detectors, demonstrate beta particle detection in the presence of a gamma-ray background and employ coincidence methods to maximize signal-to-noise ratio. Measurements will be conducted as a function of temperature and gamma-ray flux. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: In addition to monitoring status of nuclear waste inside storage casks, non-destructive evaluation, particle physics and homeland security are also possible areas that would benefit from a rad hard beta particle detector that can operate at elevated temperatures. Bore hole logging is another application suited to diamond detectors. Due to its high density of nuclei, diamond is promising for fast neutron detection. Because the effective atomic number of tissue is approximately 6, diamond is well suited for tissue equivalent dosimeter applications."
Theory-Based High-QE Photocathode Development,DE-SC0009540,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,2,999998.00,"RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.",44 HUNT ST,,WATERTOWN,MA,02472-4699,No,No,No,Carmen Danforth,Ms.,,CDanforth@RMDInc.com,Vivek Nagarkar,Dr.,6176686937,VNagarkar@RMDInc.com,"While substantial advancements have been made in realizing tube based large area detectors such as the Large Area Picosecond Photo-Detector (LAPPD), there is widespread agreement in the cathode community that a higher QE bialkali cathode is possible, and that the present understanding is largely-recipe driven without the adequate control or understanding to achieve the previously observed high yield of narrowly clustered QE & apos;s. Thus, the goal of this SBIR is to develop high quantum efficiency photocathodes, based on a robust understanding of the underlying physics and chemistry. The challenges associated with the deposition of multi-alkali-antimony photocathode will be addressed using two main strategies, 1) pre-synthesis of multi-alkali-antimony compounds using specialized technique, and 2) deposition of the synthesized compound to form a high QE photocathode. In-situ monitoring of photocathode growth using such techniques as dynamic X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) will permit process optimization to realize as yet unattainable QE response with significant gains in process yields. The process thus developed will be amenable for large scale production of large area photocathodes in a cost effective manner. The key accomplishment of the Phase I research is the invention of a novel synthesis route for ultrapure photocathode compound from its constituents, whose chemical composition and lattice parameters perfectly match the calculated theoretical model slated to perform with significantly higher QEs than is currently demonstrated. Deposition of this material to form a photocathode film was performed and its characteristic properties demonstrated. A joint patent application from the participating institutions has been filed. The Phase II research will extend the Phase I study to further enhance the photocathode QE through a robust understanding of the correspondence between theory, the materials growth, and thin film fabrication. Technology commercialization efforts will be undertaken in parallel with the research. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The ability to consistently make photocathodes with high QE at high yields will substantially lower the cost per detected photon in large water Cherenkov counters for short- and long-baseline neutrino experiments, Positron-Emission Tomography, and other applications limited by photon counting. The improved QE also ameliorates the difference in QE between vacuum-based and silicon technologies, while retaining the big advantage in noise, gain, and bandwidth. In addition, a robust theoretical understanding of the relationship between cathode growth procedures and electronic band- structure, scattering, and morphology will allow improvements in cathodes for other regions of the spectrum, including in the UV (liquid-Argon, liquid-Xe) and the IR (defense and astronomy)."
Nanostructured ZnO for Rad-Hard Microelectronics Components,HDTRA1-14-P-0006,DOD,DTRA,SBIR,2014,1,149928.00,"RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.",44 HUNT ST,,WATERTOWN,MA,02472-4699,No,No,No,Joanne Gladstone,Vice President of Operations,(617) 668-6801,JGladstone@RMDInc.com,Zsolt Marton,Principal Investigator,(617) 668-6801,ZMarton@RMDInc.com,"ABSTRACT: This project is aiming at developing basic semiconductor components (field-effect transistors) that will be deployed in highly radioactive environment (nuclear plants, space, radioactive waste storage facilities). Radiation Monitoring Devices (RMD), Inc. BENEFITS: ANTICIPATED BENEFITS This new concept of radiation-hard microelectronics will be compatible with recent IC technology in terms of production. These novel, wide-bandgap semiconductor devices could be deployed and reliably used for a long period of time in"
"Low-Noise, High-Efficiency Geiger Photodiode for Quantum Cryptography",70NANB14H301,DOC,NIST,SBIR,2014,1,89997.00,"RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.",44 HUNT ST,,WATERTOWN,MA,02472-4699,No,No,No,Erik Johnson,,,,Erik Johnson,,(617) 668-6886,Ejohnson@rmdinc.com,"The mechanics of single photons can be used to entangle information carry quantum states, allowing for quantum computation or random number generation. Quantum communication utilizes the quantum nature of single-photons to retain information, particularly in the form of quantum key distribution protocols. High-efficiency, low-noise single photon detection at high efficiency is critical for the application of new systems utilizing the power of quantum mechanics. Existing Geiger photodiodes provide single photon resolution with excellent timing characteristics and low dark count rates but has limited detection efficiency. This program will develop a Geiger photodiode for quantum cryptography with an efficiency greater than 98% in the visible wavelength range."
Computer assisted maintenance of the Fire Scout UAV Helicopter with ADIRT (Augmented Digital Imaging and Recognition Technology),N68335-14-C-0312,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,499550.00,"RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.",44 HUNT ST,,WATERTOWN,MA,02472-4699,No,No,No,Joanne Gladstone,"Vice President, Operation",(617) 668-6845,JGladstone@RMDInc.com,Timothy Tiernan,"Director, Research Engine",(617) 668-6856,TTiernan@RMDInc.com,"NAVAIR has costly assets requiring expensive maintenance, burdening the limited number of trained maintainers. With the USMC, RMD developed a prototype computerized""simulated assistant""for maintenance, training and planning based on augmented reality (AR) and cognitive augmentation (CA). Based on that work, RMD and its collaborators propose to develop ADIRT (Augmented Digital Imaging and Recognition Technology) to greatly expand the computerized assistant to support the maintenance of the Fire Scout UAV to complement the familiar, existing workflows and SOPs. Maintenance of the scroll cage fan in the Fire Scout requires alignment and indexing of difficult to see components. Misalignment can result imbalanced engine parts and cause serious damage. ADIRT will automatically recognize and track personnel and components in the maintenance environment using a COTS computer, high definition camera, and pico projector to automatically identify the maintainer, assist with documentation, fetch schematics and pertinent information, and project visual cues and verbal prompts directly into the work area while creating an overlay of information on a computer monitor. ADIRT will be able to index components during maintenance with a degree of precision far exceeding that possible with the human eye. RMD will work with closely with NAVAIR to ensure success of ADIRT."
Corrosion-Resistant Anti-reflection (AR) Coating of High Energy Alkali Laser Components Using Refractory Materials,HQ0147-14-C-7019,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2014,2,974998.00,"RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.",44 HUNT ST,,WATERTOWN,MA,02472-4699,No,No,No,Joanne N. Gladstone,VP Operations,(617) 668-6800,JGladstone@RMDinc.com,Vivek N. PhD,VP Imaging Sciences,(617) 668-6800,VNagarkar@RMDinc.com,"Realization of high-performance compact lasers will require the development of substrates and advancements in optical coatings that can withstand the harsh environments of corrosive gases, high temperatures, and high energy densities. Toward this end we intend to undertake the development of novel optical coatings that will simultaneously provide the necessary protection and maintain the optical performance of coated components to the desired levels. Specifically, the proposed multi-layer index-matching coating(s) will be designed to ensure maximum transmission and minimum reflectance at the D1 and D2 wavelengths of rubidium. Furthermore, its chemical structure will be resistant not only to rubidium vapor, but also to its oxides and hydroxides. Computer modeling of the layered structure will be performed to study its light transmission properties. During Phase I, the efficacy of our approach was demonstrated by coating sapphire substrates used in Diode Pumped Alkali Laser Systems (DPALS). The Phase II program will logically extend the Phase I research to complete the development of coatings and their testing in a realistic environment. To ensure successful development, and to facilitate technology transition to commercialization, we have teamed with a well-known company currently developing DPALS for commercial use. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7739 (18 March 14)."
Ultra Fast X-Ray Imaging Detector,FA9101-14-C-0006,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,1399992.00,"RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC.",44 HUNT ST,,WATERTOWN,MA,02472-4699,No,No,No,Joanne Gladstone,"Vice President, Operation",(617) 668-6845,JGladstone@rmdinc.com,Vivek Nagarkar,"Director, Adv. Imaging Te",(617) 668-6937,VNagarkar@rmdinc.com,"ABSTRACT: The DOD needs a multiple pulse X-ray imaging system with high frame rate capability to measure the motion of the target ballast and characterize the debris cloud generated during hypervelocity impacts. Such imaging capability is of vital importance for designing new long-range missile systems with improved accuracy, for assessing damage to the target upon impact to determine its lethality, and to design armors/armored vehicles to protect military personnel and material from enemy attacks. The proposed effort will transition the ultra-fast X-ray imaging technology, developed by Radiation Monitoring Devices (RMD), Inc., under Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), into greater capability for the warfighter by enabling dynamic imaging of denser hypervelocity objects and impact analysis. The key component of such a system is a fast scintillation screen with enhanced absorption of high energy X-rays, and high spatial resolution. We will focus on developing and delivering scintillator screens that can perform at high X-ray energies desired for testing. The scintillator screens will be integrated into high performance imaging detectors that will permit imaging at the desired high frame rates. This research will be carried out under the SBIR Technology Transition Plan (STTP/CRP) over a period of two years. BENEFIT: In addition to the aforementioned DOD application, the proposed scintillation imaging system would find widespread use in applications where high resolution, fast readout x-ray detectors are used. These include numerous other defense applications, medical functional imaging, structural biology, microtomography of teeth and bones, polymer processing, x-ray astronomy, nondestructive testing, and basic physics research. Ultrahigh frame rate detectors are also of vital importance for dynamic compression studies which are of critical importance for developing advanced materials to effectively withstand shockwaves. High-resolution digital x-ray imaging detectors currently have a large commercial market, significant fraction of which represents area where the proposed scintillator and the detector will have immediate impact."
"Novel, Thermal Shock -resistant, HfC-based Coating Systems for up to 5000 F Propulsion Applications",N68335-14-C-0124,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79957.00,Allcomp Inc.,209 Puente Ave.,,City of Industry,CA,91746-2304,No,No,No,Wei Shih,President,(626) 369-1273,weishih@aol.com,Steve Jones,Vice President,(626) 369-1273,steve.jones@allcomp.net,"Solid rocket propellants put stringent requirements on materials selection due very high temperature, high pressure and highly corrosive environment. Monolithic ceramics such as hafnium carbide suffer from very poor fracture toughness, putting huge design constraints on their use in solid motor propulsion systems. Refractory ceramics coated carbon-carbon (C-C) composites can offer a potential solution to this problem but the intrinsic thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch between the very low CTE C-C substrate and fairly high CTE of the refractory coating needs to be resolved preventing premature coating spallation. A unique approach, which utilizes a functionally graded (FGM) interface, was successfully employed in the X-43A flight, which reached Mach 10 under a severe thermal envelope. The X-43A flight proven coating on P-30X type C-C substrate will be extended to a low cost 3-D C-C composite substrate well suited for propulsion application and will be tested for 3200 F, long duration applications. In addition, a highly novel FGM HfC coating system applied onto a low cost 3-D C-C substrate will be tested to demonstrate virtually no erosion at 5000 F. The intrinsic properties of the CVD HfC, such as 100% density not achievable by Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) methods such as plasma based coatings, offers a very high erosion resistance at a very high temperature."
Advanced Space Antenna for GPS,FA9453-14-M-0097,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149538.00,"Alpha Omega Electromagnetics, LLC",24 Cascade Road,,Arnold,MD,21012-,No,No,No,Robert Schmier,President,(410) 626-7682,rschmier@alphaomegaem.com,Robert Schmier,President,(410) 626-7682,rschmier@alphaomegaem.com,"The objective of this Phase I SBIR effort is to develop and demonstrate an advanced, space antenna with a steerable, formable beam for Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. GPS satellites currently use fixed beam L-band antennas to provide hemispherical coverage of the earth. There is a need to be able to focus the GPS broadcast on a specific area of interest, steer it to maintain the beam on that area, and provide additional signal strength for better general reception and overcoming a jammer, etc. The primary objective of this effort is to develop and demonstrate a simultaneous and completely independent three-beam transmit array antenna for use on a GPS satellite that will completely fulfill this need. AOE will focus its attention on active phased array solutions in order arrive at an architecture that exhibits graceful degradation and distributes power and heat over the entire surface of the array. Under this proposed effort, AOE will be working with Boeing (a positioning, navigation, and timing, or PNT prime contractor) to help ensure applicability of AOE""s efforts and begin work towards technology transition."
Affordable Sub-array for TT&C Phased Array Antennas,FA8650-14-C-1816,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,747313.00,"Alpha Omega Electromagnetics, LLC",24 Cascade Road,,Arnold,MD,21012-,No,No,No,Robert Schmier,President,(410) 626-7682,rschmier@alphaomegaem.com,Robert Schmier,President,(410) 626-7682,rschmier@alphaomegaem.com,"ABSTRACT: This Phase II SBIR research addresses an important and timely technological need, specifically the practical development and demonstration of a very low-cost, multi-frequency, multi-beam phased array subarray technology. This low-cost subarray technology is the fundamental building block required for the practical realization of a large hemispherical phased array useful for horizon-to-horizon simultaneous coverage of multi-satellite Tracking, Telemetry and Command (TT & C) systems such as that employed by the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN). As demonstrated by the Geodesic Dome Phased Array Antenna (GDPAA) Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) effort, the success of this endeavor rests heavily upon the development of a low cost subarray architecture. Under this proposed effort, Alpha Omega Electromagnetics (AOE) will demonstrate, with hardware, a very low cost planar subarray architecture that will provide equivalent performance to the current state-of-the-art L- and S-band subarray developed by AOE under the GDPAA ATD program and the Advanced Electronic Components for Sensor Arrays (AECSA) program. The results of this demonstration will yield a subarray architecture with a very high readiness level that will be suitable for use in a GDPAA for AFSCN as well as many other phased array applications. BENEFIT: The results of this research will provide one of the critical technologies needed to support the realization of a large, hemispherical phased array antenna capable of horizon-to-horizon coverage. This array will be capable of providing multiple links to simultaneously support several control operations ranging from low altitude to geostationary satellites at different directions. The resulting subarray technology should have far reaching applications including serving as a basic building block of an ESA for the air and space traffic control as well as satellite communication. An additional application of the aperture technology developed under this SBIR will be for mobile applications where the subarray (or groups of subarrays) alone will serve as the complete functional antenna."
"Corrosion Identification, Removal and Cleaning of Galvanic Couples in Difficult to Access Areas",FA8117-14-C-0009,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149999.00,"AlphaSense, Inc.",510 Philadelphia Pike,,Wilmington,DE,19809-,Yes,No,No,Xin Zhang,Director of Proposals and Contracts,(302) 998-1116,xin@alphasense.net,Pengcheng Lv,Senior Scientist,(302) 998-1116,pengcheng@alphasense.net,"In this proposal, AlphaSense, Inc. details the development of a fully integrated laser ultrasound visualization and laser ablation tool for corrosion identification, removal and cleaning. The key innovations of this proposal include the following: a) Hidden corrosion detections based on direct visualizations of the ultrasound propagation characteristics, b) Corrosion product removal using laser ablation, and c) The implementation of a fully integrated corrosion detection and removal tool. With such innovations, the merits of the proposed corrosion detection and removal tool include the following: a) Fully integrated, compact and portable, b) Capable of detecting hidden corrosions, c) Compatible with complex shapes, configurations and tight space constraints, d) High sensitivity and good spatial resolution, e) High throughput in both corrosion detection and removal, f) Controllable and no collateral damages, and g) Easy and safe to the operators."
Near Net Shape and Cost Effective Rapid Powder Consolidation Manufacturing of Advanced Microwave Tube Materials/Components,N00014-14-P-1199,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,79998.00,"Utron Kinetics, LLC",9441 Innovation Drive,,Manassas,VA,-,No,No,No,Ali Khan,Contracts Specialist,(703) 369-5552,alik@utroninc.com,Karthik Nagarthnam,Principal Investigator,(703) 369-5552,karthikn@utronkinetics.com,"The major objectives of the Phase I effort will be focused on CDC higher pressure combustion (using natural gas or hydrogen-GREEN MANUFACTURING) driven powder compaction fabrication of select alloys for Microwave Tube Related Component end uses for NAVY using powders of varying sizes and vacuum-grade purity such as Cupro-Nickel, Stainless Steels (e.g., 316 LN, Custom 465 high strength version), Monel 404 and select Molybdenum Based Alloys (e.g., Molybdenum, Mo-W, Mo-Hf-HfC, Mo-with Lanthanum Oxide; Mo-Re) and Other Competitive Alloys of stainless steel equivalents with reduced Ni content for feasibility. Select geometrical shapes of mechanical test coupons, small scale cylinders (0.66 inch/1.35 inch dia cylinders) and other geometries (including hollow-cylindrical geometry of 1.8 inch OD; 1.65 inch ID and 1 inch height using the most promising molybdenum based materials) will be fabricated using CDC method as a proof of concept. UTRON Kinetics""s uniquely controllable higher pressure compaction up to 150 tsi in rapid compaction times (milliseconds) and then process them for property evaluation. 300/400 Ton CDC compaction press is planned for use in the proposed work. Proposed research is planned to use the current tooling for mechanical test coupons, small scale cylinders, and modified tooling for the representative hollow cylinder geometry for NAVY""s MWT (in consultation with CPII) at UTRON Kinetics in Phase I and Option. Proposed tasks include suitable CDC compaction parameters, powder chemistry/morphologies, thermal post-processing, physical/geometrical properties of green and sintered parts under select thermal processing (e.g., vacuum, argon environment etc) conditions, mechanical strength/ductility properties at room temperature, microstructures, microchemistry, thermal and electrical conductivity, high vacuum leak resistance testing, and thermal cyclic stress behavior as required for microwave tube product end uses. We have both Georgia Tech and CPII as subcontract collaborators. Phase I option will be used also for further evaluation of the most promising samples in consultation with NAVY sponsors. More advanced material compositions, complex part fabrication, and scaling up for cost effective manufacturing will be evaluated in Phase II and beyond. Proposed work has several potential end users from the Industries as well as from the DOD."
Neuro-Cognitive Maintenance Support System for Legacy INS in Submarines,N68335-14-C-0110,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79994.00,American GNC Corporation,888 Easy Street,,Simi Valley,CA,93065-1812,No,Yes,No,Emily Melgarejo,Director of Contracts,(805) 582-0582,emelgarejo@americangnc.com,Tasso Politopoulos,Chief Scientist,(805) 582-0582,tpolito@americangnc.com,"The overall goal of the Neuro-Cognitive Maintenance Support System for Legacy INS in Submarines (NeuroCm-INS) is to optimize INS maintenance operations by determining the most likely corrective actions with the use of enhanced diagnostic technologies. At one level, novel technologies are used for determining maintenance paths and conducting root cause analysis under constraints for time and likelihood of success when applying corrective actions. This high level layer is then complemented by a neuro-cognitive troubleshooting scheme that accomplishes the detection and identification of faults. A distinctive characteristic of the proposed system is the performing of INS troubleshooting by new state-of-the-art inference mechanisms with embedded dynamic self-learning that handles newly emerging uncharacterized failures. Altogether, the NeuroCM-INS system enables: (1) advanced failure detection and identification with learning of new faults; (2) maintenance path optimization using maintenance and diagnostic data; and (3) automated aids based on graphical software embedded within portable devices for use by on-board personnel. The technology will benefit the Navy by reducing the Mean Time to Repair."
Landing Zones Identification (LZI),FA8651-14-C-0265,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,2,998563.00,American GNC Corporation,888 Easy Street,,Simi Valley,CA,93065-1812,No,Yes,No,Emily Melgarejo,Director of Contracts,(805) 582-0582,emelgarejo@americangnc.com,Tasso Politopoulos,Chief Scientist,(805) 582-0582,tpolito@americangnc.com,"Small Unmanned Air Systems (SUAS) are currently used by the U.S military for a wide variety of critical missions; however, there remains much research and work to enhance autonomy in these platforms. One capability specified by the U.S. Office of the Secr"
Field Deployable PFCs Sensors for Contaminated Soil Screening,EP-D-14-012,EPA,EPA,SBIR,2014,1,100000.00,"United Science, LLC",15911 Furuby Rd.,,Center City,MN,55012-,No,No,No,Jon Thompson,,651-329-9998,jthompson@unitedsciencecorp.com,Li Chen,,(651) 329-9998,chen@unitedsciencecorn.com,"Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is an anionic surfactant species that is a member of a large family of ubiquitous and emerging environmental contaminants known as perfluoro chemicals (PFCs). Soil and groundwater contamination by PFCs have been caused by legal emissions from industrial manufacturers (carpets, lubricants, paints, packaging, cookware), protectant spray consumer products, polymer producers, fire fighting foams, and chromium plating facilities. Preliminary assessment of contaminated sites are underway but are extremely costly and time consuming. This is due in part to the complicated requirements for analysis of PFC contaminated samples. Proper analysis requires expensive and highly specialized laboratory equipment and personnel (Ph.D. level) for effective sampling, sample preservation, sample preparation and analytical methods. Off-line and off-site LC/MS/MS analytical methods have been shown to have the selectivity and low limits of detection required for PFOS measurement (EPA Method 537). However, the total analysis price/sample is costly and is driven in part by time consuming (30-60 days) sample preparation in a wide variety of matrices with co­-contaminants (i.e., NAPL). Furthermore, long term monitoring costs become intolerable under these parameters.
Recent work has shown that ion selective sensors fabricated from fluorous materials can be used to measure PFOS in drinking and ground water down to the ppt level with no sample preparation. However, PFCs become trapped in the compact soils above aquifers and can slowly elute into groundwater over time. PFCs are also likely transported away from the source via rivers, creeks or stormwater routes. All major sources of PFCs and transport pathways are typically identified to properlyremediate. However, current analysis methods are not amenable to wide spatial and temporal sampling. Furthermore,most of the site assessment work at known PFC contaminated sites has sorely focused on PFC levels in groundwater. The goal of this proposal is to demonstrate the effectiveness of a hand held PFOS ion-selective electrode (ISE) device that can screen for the presence of PFCs in soils and enable high spatial resolution to testing. This work will complement ongoing research on a PFC sensor for prescreening PFCs in water."
Instrumentation and Conrol Design for Small Modular Reactors,DE-SC0011859,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149976.83,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,darrell@ams-corp.com,Edwin Riggsbee,Mr.,,edwin@ams-corp.com,"Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) of light water designs are moving toward deployment and advanced SMRs are on their way to becoming a reality. Although the fundamental design characteristics of these reactors are well established, a list of important issues still remains. Among them is the Instrumentation and Control (I & amp;C) sensors for measurement of the variables needed for process control and protection of plant safety. While the current generation of I & amp;C sensors is successfully used at every operating nuclear power plant, the fundamental design differences between SMRs and traditional power reactors may not allow for identical I & amp;C sensors; especially for advanced SMRs. Given a proposed timetable of less than ten years before completion of the first light water SMR in the United States, there is an imminent need for research into the application of currently available I & amp;C sensors, development of new sensors, and investigation of the potential of the advanced and novel sensing technologies for SMRs. This research will be conducted under this project. The goal of this project is to produce process sensors based on existing, emerging, or new technologies to meet the needs of both light water and advanced SMRs. The focus will be on design of sensors which can satisfy the following fundamental characteristics: 1) small enough to fit the compact geometry of SMRs, 2) able to measure two or more variables in the same assembly, 3) stable enough to need no frequent calibrations, 4) have adequate response time, and 5) tolerate the operating environments of SMRs. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The results of this project will benefit the nuclear industry and the general public in several ways. The resolution of technological problems regarding I & amp;C sensors for SMRs will enhance their potential for future deployment, adding a safe, clean, flexible, and affordable energy source to the electric grid. Also, an effective I & amp;C sensor design for SMRs would promote safe operation of the reactors, which will be an advantage to the protection of public safety. In addition to SMRs, the sensor designs which will result from this project can help the existing generation of reactors."
Strategy for Implementation of Fixed and Mobile Wireless Technologies in Crowded and Confined EMI Environments of Nuclear Power Plants,DE-SC0011856,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149976.83,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell Mitchell,Mr.,8656911756,darrell@ams-corp.com,Chad Kiger,Mr.,,chad@ams-corp.com,"Wireless technologies have increased efficiency in many industrial settings across the world by enabling a mobile workforce and improving communications. In fact, some studies project that wireless implementation could save nuclear facilities up to $6,000,000 per year in the maintenance department alone. Unfortunately, the nuclear power industry has been slow to adopt wireless technology as a result of safety, security, and reliability concerns expressed by regulators and others. This project sets out to address two significant technical concerns that still remain: 1) wireless electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) which refers to the ability of plant equipment to withstand wireless transmission, and 2) wireless coexistence which refers to the ability of different wireless devices to operate in the presence of one another. For wireless EMC, most equipment in nuclear power plants has never been tested for vulnerability to wireless transmission. As such, the impact of modern wireless devices to nuclear safety and plant reliability is not understood. In the case of wireless coexistence, there is currently no standard test method available to verify that various wireless devices such as sensors, cellphones, and laptop computers will function reliably when operating in close proximity to each other. The proposed work will provide new test methods and objective guidance for the nuclear industry in the two areas mentioned above and will develop a cognitive radio system for in-plant EMC and coexistence testing. The goal of this project will be accomplished through hands-on laboratory work at AMS state-of-the-art EMC facility. The work will include: 1) Identify vulnerabilities of nuclear plant equipment to wireless signals and determine mitigation strategies, 2) Evaluate signal characteristics of wireless devices through laboratory measurements, especially those that could cause susceptibility among plant equipment, and 3) Develop innovative methods to test for wireless EMC and coexistence in connection with the use of wireless technology in nuclear power plants. The knowledge acquired from these tasks will provide input to the design of a test system capable of generating and receiving signals from multiple wireless protocols to be developed in a Phase II for immunity and coexistence testing. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The design of the cognitive radio system and associated test methods for wireless EMC and coexistence will allow for the seamless use of wireless technology in nuclear power plants while greatly reducing the risks they may introduce. This will ultimately extend to the general public in the form of safer nuclear power plants and lower cost of electricity."
Development of an In-Situ Method for Cable Condition Monitoring in Nuclear Power Plants,DE-SC0009569,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,2,999476.44,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell Mitchell,Mr.,,darrell@ams-corp.com,Casey Sexton,Mr.,8656911756,casey@ams-corp.com,"As nuclear power plants extend their operating life beyond 40 years, attention is being focused on the health of the insulation material of important cables. Faced with the prospect of an extremely expensive, wholesale replacement of thousands of miles of cables, nuclear facilities need a cost-effective, non-destructive, remote, and in-situ method to determine whether or not cables are healthy or should be replaced. While other products exist to identify conductor faults, there is no method available to assess the health and the remaining useful life (RUL) of the insulation material of installed cables. To address this problem, Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR), an in-situ non-destructive test, will be performed on cables typically used in the nuclear industry. These cables will undergo accelerated aging to simulate the natural aging process that occurs in a nuclear power plant. As they age, FDR measurements will be compared with a standard laboratory test known as elongation at break (EAB) to correlate the results and provide estimations of a cables health and RUL. During Phase I, a subset of nuclear power plant cables were thermally aged over the entire duration of the project. During this aging process, FDR measurements were compared to EAB results to assess insulation elasticity which is an industry-accepted measure of insulation health. The results demonstrated that FDR could be closely correlated to EAB. In Phase II, AMS will expand the research to include a larger population of cable types commonly found in nuclear power plants. Cable samples will be obtained and subjected to aging conditions while recording and correlating FDR measurements with the cable age. These correlations will be incorporated into a test system for nuclear facilities to assess the health of a cable and determine its RUL. Commercial Applications and OtherBenefits: The FDR correlations with cable health and RUL will be packaged with commercial hardware and custom software to provide a cost-effective solution for implementing a cable aging management program to satisfy regulatory guidelines. This system will identify and locate insulation problems and provide plant operators with a condition-based assessment of installed cable."
Quantitative Methods for Reliability and Fault Tolerance Testing of Digital Instrumentation and Control,DE-SC0010139,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,2,1498794.78,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr.,,darrell@ams-corp.com,Greg Morton,Mr.,8656911756,greg@ams-corp.com,"Replacement of obsolete analog systems with software-based digital systems in nuclear facilities has been hindered by significant costs associated with traditional quality assurance testing. This project proposes advanced software validation tools that will ensure that digital systems are safe, reliable, and cost effective for the nuclear industry."
Condition Monitoring of Live Cables in Nuclear Power Plants,DE-SC0010141,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,2,1474841.13,Analysis And Measurement Services Corporation,9119 Cross Park Drive,,Knoxville,TN,37923-4505,No,No,No,Darrell W. Mitchell,Mr.,,darrell@ams-corp.com,Dustin Nace,Mr.,8656911756,dustin.nace@emifix.com,"As the current fleet of operating nuclear power plants ages, equipment degrades and causes increased incidences of failures which lead to plant shutdowns. This proposal offers to develop testing technology for fault detection in live electrical circuits to identify and resolve problems as they occur."
Expendable Acoustic Source for AUV Based Geoacoustic and Geotechnical Survey Operations,N00014-14-C-0080,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,498093.00,"Analysis, Design & Diagnostics, Inc.",317 West Forsyth St.,,Jacksonville,FL,-,No,No,No,Karen Picard,Contract Admininistrator,(904) 475-0094,kpicard@adndinc.com,Gary Donoher,Project Manager,(904) 475-0094,gdonoher@adndinc.com,"The EAS will be deployed by an LBS-UUV to conduct Naval Oceanographic Surveys in shallow water. The unit will consist of a housing containing a projector, a programmable power amplifier assembly, and a battery pack. The EAS projector will be designed to maximize the percentage of energy projected in the direction of the projector's face. The unit will sit with the projector face-down on the ocean bottom transmitting energy directly into the bottom sediment. This configuration will maximize the energy projected into the bottom sediment while minimizing the percentage of energy projected directly into the water column. This improves the effectiveness of characterizing the bottom sediment by increasing energy in the bottom while decreasing interference from water column based direct path transmissions from the projector to the receiver. Reducing energy in the water column also reduces environmental impact, and with the low levels being used ("
"In-node Processing for Low Power Target Detection, Classification, Localization,&Tracking",N00014-14-P-1133,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79999.00,"Analysis, Design & Diagnostics, Inc.",317 West Forsyth St.,,Jacksonville,FL,-,No,No,No,Karen Picard,Contract Admininistrator,(904) 475-0094,kpicard@adndinc.com,Gary Donoher,Project Manager,(904) 475-0094,gdonoher@adndinc.com,"As a company experienced in passive acoustic sensor and signal processing design and development, Analysis, Design & Diagnostics, Inc. (AD & D) understands that the ability to detect and classify sea-born vessels with a very high Probability of Correct Classification (Pcc) and a very low Probability of False Classification (Pfc) is an extremely challenging undertaking. The primary method currently used by AD & D is to employ optimal detectors designed to exploit traditional narrowband, broadband and active acoustic emissions from targets of interest. We recognize, however, that there is enormous potential in novel classification algorithms developed in other fields such as computational neuroscience, one of which is Cortical Processing. Under this SBIR we will investigate the feasibility of using Cortical Processing to classify sea-born vessels to a Taxon level."
Compact Off-board Passive Target-Discriminator,N00014-14-C-0176,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,500000.00,"Analysis, Design & Diagnostics, Inc.",317 West Forsyth St.,,Jacksonville,FL,-,No,No,No,Karen Picard,Contract Admininistrator,(904) 475-0094,kpicard@adndinc.com,Gary Donoher,Project Manager,(904) 475-0094,gdonoher@adndinc.com,A low power COBPTD node will be used to automatically detect and classify targets of interest. We will use target derived kinematics and a rule based classifier to classify high interest targets.
"Enabling Flexible Materials, Devices and Processes for Defense",FA8650-14-C-5010,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,749995.00,"American Semiconductor, Inc.","3100 S. Vista Ave., Suite 230",,Boise,ID,83705-,No,No,No,Lorelli D. Hackler,CFO,(208) 336-2773,lhackler@americansemi.com,Richard L. Chaney,General Manager,(208) 336-2773,richchaney@americansemi.com,"ABSTRACT: Emergence and feasibility for flexible body-worn electronics and particularly medical patches requires high performance electronics capability. The problem is that these new technologies must have flexible and conformal physical formats and conventional electronic components are not in any way flexible. In the CLAS Phase I program, a new flexible high-performance manufacturing and materials system was demonstrated for feasibility. This system included high performance components integrated with printed substrates and printed antennas to support data processing and wireless communications in a flexible and conformal format. FleX silicon-on-polymer integrated circuits and printed devices such as the antenna demonstrated in the CLAS Phase I program have provided a feasible solution for flexible electronics and wireless applications. This Phase II will build on the Flexible Hybrid System (FHS) technology proven in the CLAS Phase I and will apply the technology to body-worn and bio-sensor applications. The output of this Phase II will be the manufacturing and materials methods required for producing this technology. The program includes the demonstration of the new capability with the production of FHS development kits that can be utilized to enable a wide variety of programs that demand high performance flexible electronics. The program includes an applied demonstration of the new capability by integrating an advanced printed ammonia biosensor on completed development kits. BENEFIT: BENEFITS Manufacturing capability for CLAS and other distributed sensor defense applications. Development Kits that can be used by sensor/product teams developing body-worn electronics. Establishment of U.S. manufacturing capability at the leading edge of flexible electronics. Development of new flexible electronics assembly capability and technology. Development of new flexible electronics materials. COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS Major commercial products companies desire to introduce ultra-thin and flexible consumer and medical electronics to the market. This includes products with flexible OLED displays, body-worn sensors, smart clothing with wireless communication and the conversion of a number of common devices such as tablets and cell phones to flexible versions. The technology in this Phase II is enabling for all of these applications."
"Compact, Lossless, Ruggedized, Electromagnetically Shielded Connectors for Power and Signals",N00014-14-P-1072,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,80000.00,AMERICAN SUPERCONDUCTOR,64 Jackson Road,,Devens,MA,01434-,No,No,No,James Maguire,"SVP, Global Operations",(978) 842-3036,jmaguire@amsc.com,Hank Valcour,Senior Technical Staff,(978) 842-3517,hvalcour@amsc.com,"Today""s Navy continues to see increased demand for more power both on and off the ship. This need is largely driven by the continued development of high power density advanced weapons systems and sensors. Continued space and weight limitations for these ship applications will drive the need for new power solutions to be light and compact, easing installation on new ships and enabling upgrades on existing ones. To meet this need, highly efficient methods of transferring large amounts of power are being investigated by NSWC Carderock in Philadelphia through the use of High temperature Superconductors (HTS). Although the team in Philadelphia is developing these high capacity, compact power cables, there is no active development for the connectors that these extremely power dense cables will need if they are to integrated at the ship level. American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC) has gained experience in the development, design and manufacture of low voltage DC HTS cable connectors through its partnership with NSWC on the HTS advanced degaussing program. Although high capacity AC power cable connectors will be dramatically different than their low voltage DC counterparts, AMSC is nonetheless uniquely positioned to successfully develop this type of low temperature, thermally isolated, electrical connection."
Miniature Extendable Nozzles or Actuating Nozzles for Improved ISP of Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS) Thrusters,HQ0147-14-C-7022,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2014,2,971633.00,"Analytical Services, Inc.",350 Voyager Way,,Huntsville,AL,35806-,No,Yes,No,Sandra Fossett,Contracts Administrator,(256) 562-2165,Sandra.Fossett@asi-hsv.com,Melissa Forton,Senior Structural Enginee,(256) 562-2091,Melissa.Forton@asi-hsv.com,"Analytical Services, Inc., is pleased to present this proposal for a lightweight, low cost, high area ratio extendible nozzle design that will provide significant increases in solid divert and attitude control system (SDACS) divert performance. We propose to use a combination of low cost, lightweight refractory materials formed, using selective laser melting (SLM), into extremely efficient structural configurations, which provides the basic nozzle structure. The nozzle extensions are passively deployed using the SDACS propellant ignition and held in their extended position using passive, simple mechanical interfaces. Our Phase I study showed a significant increase in achievable area ratio, which, when combined with the low-weight, compact throttling approach, increased divert specific impulse (Isp) performance. When adding additional propellant due to the newly-emptied internal volume (due to the extreme packaging efficiency of our nozzle design), divert delta-V performance increased significantly. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7739 (18 March 14)."
new SPM platform for heated probe AFM and Mass Spectrometry for naNoscale chemical analysis,DE-SC0011386,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,Anasys Instruments Corp,325 Chapala St.,,Santa Barbara,CA,93101-3407,No,No,No,Roshan Shetty,Mr.,8054555482,roshan@anasysinstruments.com,Mark Little,Dr.,8057303310,mark@anasysinstruments.com,"The AFM-MS product resulting from this proposal will have two main benefits: a) Adding nanoscale spatial resolution to Mass Spectrometry (MS) industry b) Adding nanoscale chemical recognition to the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) technique. This will be achieved by using Anasys proprietary nanoscale AFM thermal probe technology to perform thermal desorption of localized regions of the sample which are then ionized and taken into a MS. Mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the most widely used analytical techniques for chemical characterization. It is used routinely in a wide variety of industrial and academic laboratories in a wide set of applications such as polymers, pharmaceutics, life sciences, photovoltaics etc. Despite MS being a very powerful chemical analysis technique, when used as the detection system in chemical imaging its spatial resolution is restricted to several tens of microns when used with any one of a variety of conventional atmospheric pressure (AP) surface sampling methods and ionization techniques. On the other hand, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a powerful technique that can be used at AP for nanoscale morphological and physical property measurements but one of its greatest drawbacks is that it has been chemically blind. Our proposal will bridge this divide by implementing and commercializing the combination of AFM (with its nanoscale topography and physical property measurements) with the definitive elemental and molecular characterization capabilities of MS. This project aims to develop and commercialize a new form of nanoscale mass spectrometry (MS) imaging based on AFM. Specifically, this project will demonstrate the feasibility of AFM- MS to improve the spatial resolution by 100X over conventional MS imaging technologies while also demonstrating the ability for an AFM to co-register morphology information with the MS based chemical information from a sample. Anasys previously pioneered and successfully commercialized AFM based nanoscale IR spectroscopy also based on federal SBIR funding. We anticipate significant downstream benefits in broad areas of materials, pharmaceutical, and life sciences. Application areas include development of advanced pharmaceutics, polymer materials, Semiconductors and electronics, organic photovoltaic materials, automotive materials, materials for energy generation and storage, cell biology, and cancer research, for example."
Low cost infrared naNospectroscopy,DE-SC0011386,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,Anasys Instruments Corp,325 Chapala St.,,Santa Barbara,CA,93101-3407,No,No,No,Roshan Shetty,Mr.,8054555482,roshan@anasysinstruments.com,Craig Prater,Dr.,8057303310,craig@anasysinstruments.com,"AFM-based infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) pioneered by Dazzi et al provides ~100X improvement in spatial resolution over conventional infrared microspectroscopy, enabling chemical analysis at the nanoscale. It has already been successfully applied to many applications, including polymer composites and films, photonic devices, organic photovoltaics, fuel cell membranes, and bacteria for biofuels applications and other energy applications. One of the key disadvantages of current AFM-IR instruments is that they require expensive tunable infrared laser sources, with prices ranging from $100-$300K. This high source cost drives the AFM-IR system cost to $350-$500K, exceeding the budget range of most researchers who could benefit from its capabilities. Anasys Instruments proposes to develop a new low cost mid-IR source to enable a low cost and high performance AFM-IR instrument, operable over the full mid-IR wavelength range. We will target a source price of & lt;$10K, more than 10-30X less expensive than conventional IR sources for nanoscale spectroscopy. To achieve this goal, we will (1) leverage previous technical achievements that enable the use of low intensity IR sources; and (2) develop new technology to modulate the intensity of the IR source at frequencies that provide efficient detection by the AFM. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The proposed instrument will provide low cost chemical analysis at the nanoscale. Specifically, it will provide: (1) ~100X improved spatial resolution compared to convention infrared microspectroscopy; (2) & gt;2X lower cost than current AFM-IR spectroscopy that will double the addressable market; (3)AFM-IR to DOE and other synchrotron light sources for ~50X higher spatial resolution synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy. By dramatically reducing the cost of infrared nanospectroscopy (currently affordable only to multi-billion dollar companies and top-tier universities), this project will make a powerful new analytical technique much more widely available, thus accelerating science and industry in energy, advanced materials, life sciences and many other areas."
"High-Power Microwave (HPM) Weapons""Effects and Failure Analysis Tool",N68936-14-C-0027,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,149428.00,"ANDRO Computational Solutions, LLC",Beeches Professional Campus,"7980 Turin Road, Bldg. 1",Rome,NY,13440-1934,No,No,No,Thomas Benjamin,Direcror of Business Oper,(315) 334-1163,tbenjamin@androcs.com,Andrew Drozd,Chief Scientist,(315) 334-1163,adrozd@androcs.com,"This research effort is to develop a tool to model the electromagnetic vulnerability/interference (EMV/I) of electronic systems, subsystems and components to directed-energy HPM weapons. A complete HPM-Expert conceptual framework has been developed for performing simulation-based failure analyses that establishes HPM weapons""effects on targeted electronics associated with both front- and back-door coupling paths (e.g., communications systems, electro-optical/infrared sensors, Global Positioning Systems, inertial navigation systems, and processors). The focus is on device/component/circuit-level EMV/I and quantifying associated disturbance, disruption, or damage (DDD) thresholds. A combination of system-level analytical and numerical tools, statistical electromagnetics, domain decomposition, and sneak circuit analysis (SCA) techniques are integrated and applied to address this problem in the frequency domain and which can be extended into the time domain. This will lead to a mature capability that will increase the Navy""s ability to protect its own electronic systems from HPM attack, as well as to determine the level of damage incurred by the enemy. The objective of this proposed effort is two-fold: (i) develop a pre-prototype HPM-Expert computer modeling and simulation capability based on the refined conceptual framework and demonstrate it on a sample challenge problem to be postulated by the government; and (ii) develop a working prototype capability that integrates the various algorithms and tools into a single, stand-alone package consisting of an analytical approach and process definition that can be readily transitioned for use in selected military Programs of Record as well as commercialized in cooperation with one or more technology transition partners."
Mitigation of Military Communication and Radar System Interference from Current and Future Fixed and Mobile Wireless Broadband Systems,N68335-15-C-0009,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79996.00,"ANDRO Computational Solutions, LLC",Beeches Professional Campus,"7980 Turin Road, Bldg. 1",Rome,NY,13440-1934,No,No,No,Thomas Benjamin,Director of Business Oper,(315) 334-1163,tbenjamin@androcs.com,Svetlana Foulke,Senior Research Scientist,(315) 334-1163,sfoulke@androcs.com,"This Phase I proposal for unclassified basic research and exploratory development titled""Mitigation of Military Communication and Radar System Interference from Current and Future Fixed and Mobile Wireless Broadband Systems: Interference Resilient Waveforms""is submitted in response to Department of Defense SBIR Program Solicitation Number 14.2, Topic N142-106. This proposal outlines an innovative cooperative research and development effort headed by ANDRO Computational Solutions, LLC with commercial communication systems consultant Dr. Liu, and advanced radar and JSF advisor from Lockheed Martin Dr. Kryzak. The team will develop a solution enabling air-to-air missions at low altitudes in the environment with in-band interference from Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (UNII). We will propose waveforms effective in heavily occupied relevant RF spectrum, inundated with dynamic composite signals of various encoding and modulations. In addition to waveform designs, for a multi-tiered interference mitigation, our concept considers deception and signal exploitation techniques, aimed to invoke favorable UNII response and fortuitous RF illumination/shadowing respectively. The team will develop waveform designs suitable for use in Navy airborne radar systems operating in the presence of UNII devices and an implementation plan showing how the techniques can be integrated into the radar system and extended for use in airborne data link systems."
Advanced Software Defined Radio Capabilities and Information Dominance - Adapting ANDRO's Transmission Cyberspace for a Five-node SDR Prototype Networ,N66001-14-C-5214,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,748006.00,"ANDRO Computational Solutions, LLC",Beeches Professional Campus,"7980 Turin Road, Bldg. 1",Rome,NY,13440-1934,No,No,No,Thomas Benjamin,Director of Business Oper,(315) 334-1163,tbenjamin@androcs.com,Richard Lawrence,Senior Research Scientist,(315) 334-1163,adrozd@androcs.com,"This effort proposes to customize ANDRO""s Transmission Cyberspace (TC) concept developed in Phase I for rapid installation on the prototype SDR hardware and testing in a small network configuration in tactical environment. Three modules Cyber, ISR Force Protection and DSA will be derived from TC and ported to Thales""SIGINT/EW Mission Module (SEMM) that attaches to the tactical radio AN/PRC-148B MBITR2. The five-node network tests will demonstrate technical capabilities of SDRs networked via SRW. These capabilities are expected to enable enhanced situational awareness and cyber protection of our forward deployed forces relying on a small network of radios. The first demo is scheduled at Thales""extensive networks communication facility. For visualization we will leverage RadiantBlue""s ROVER display capability. Two laboratory tests will be followed by two field demonstrations at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds and Fort Benning, GA in March and June 2015. The laboratory tests and the demonstrations will be configured as up to a five-node network in increasingly representative tactical environments."
High-Performance Proton Exchange Membranes for Electrolysis Cells,DE-SC0011361,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,Amsen TechNologies LLC,1684 S. Research Loop,Suite 518,Tucson,AZ,85710-6740,No,No,No,Ayyasamy Aruchamy,Dr.,5205466944,amsen@mindspring.com,Hongxing Hu,Dr.,5205466944,hhu1@mindspring.com,"Improvements in performance of the components are needed for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, which is one of the key technologies for DOEs hydrogen production plan. In particular, high- performance ion-exchange membranes are needed that can withstand significantly higher mechanical loads due to high-pressure operation, while having significantly reduce hydrogen permeability and improved proton conductivity. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop high-performance ion-exchange membranes for PEM electrolyzers based on a ternary material system. Such membranes shall have lower hydrogen permeability and higher proton conductivity than the state-of-the-art commercial membranes. Additionally, the new membrane shall have good water transfer capability, high tensile strength, and high stability under high-pressure electrolyzer operation conditions. The proposed composite ion-exchange membranes will be fabricated by a solution casting process that has been well developed in Amsen for our composite membrane projects. This process is well suited for easy and economical production of multi-component composite membranes with high uniformity. The resultant composite membranes will be systematically characterized in terms of structural and microstructural features, hydrogen permeability, proton conductivity, tensile strength, water uptake/swelling, and dimensional stability. The best composite membranes selected will be evaluated by performance in high-pressure electrolysis operation. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The outcome of the innovation has the potential of providing DOE with high-performance ion-exchange membranes for PEM electrolyzers as well as fuel cells. This technology will find wide applications in all PEM electrolyzers and PEM fuel cell stacks."
Meta-Data Mining for Optimized Aircraft Repair and Overhaul,FA8501-14-C-0014,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,750000.00,Analatom Incorporated,3210 Scott Blvd.,,Santa Clara,CA,95054-3007,No,No,No,Bernard Laskowski,President,(408) 980-9516,bernard.laskowski@analatom.com,Douglas Brown,Senior Systems Engineer,(408) 980-9516,doug.brown@analatom.com,"ABSTRACT: Analatom proposes to develop, implement, and demonstrate a text/narrative query and maintenance-tracking retrieval system supporting the C-5 enhanced Individual Aircraft Tracking (IAT) program. Analatom will utilize expertise in development of advanced software modeling tools for data mining, maintenance support, and structural health monitoring prognostics. During Phase I, Analatom developed new modeling, optimization tools, and algorithms concepts providing database search and correlations to facilitate intelligent decision-making processes for maintenance, repair, and overhaul work practices and schedules. Ultimately, such a support tool will act upon current databases, meta-data, and repair practices to arrive at considerable personnel, parts, and other resources savings and shorter repair time horizons within the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) environment. An aircraft maintenance and repair work scope optimizer, as a decision support tool, will utilize dynamic and meta-data information to provide the repair work force with a daily work package that accommodates contingencies via dynamic re-planning. This decision support tool will facilitate data discovery by query and retrieval methods and enables optimization tools to strengthen weapon systems""Aircraft Structural Integrity Program (ASIP) operational safety suitability and effectiveness (OSS & E). BENEFIT: Such a tool would have high value for data mining and maintenance scheduling of high value commercial items such as aircraft, bridges, vehicles, ships and buildings."
Surgical Skills Training and Assessment Instrument (SUSTAIN) Mobile App,N00014-14-C-0068,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,350558.00,"AnthroTronix, Inc.","8737 Colesville Rd, L203",,Silver Spring,MD,-,No,No,No,Carl Pompei,Executive Vice President,(301) 495-0770,cpompei@atinc.com,Corinna Lathan,CEO&Board Chair,(301) 495-0770,clathan@atinc.com,"This Subsequent Phase II Proposal is an extension of Phase II contract N00014-11-C-0420. The overall objective of the proposed Subsequent Phase II effort is to develop and provide initial validation for a mobile training platform and framework that will support optimized refresher training for a variety of medical skills. Maintenance of specialized skills during periods of nonuse presents a significant problem within the military medical domain, and there is currently an alarming lack of research and development to support scientifically-grounded retraining pedagogy for such complex skills. Leveraging surgical skill decay research and a prototype glove-based training interface developed under the initial SBIR effort, this effort seeks to develop and validate a Surgical Skills Training and Assessment Instrument (SUSTAIN) mobile app platform, which will enable psychomotor and cognitive skills to be trained and assessed in isolation, as well as in conjunction with multi-dimensional skill components. Additionally, this interface will support interactive instruction, providing additional engagement and motivation, which is lacking in many mobile and web-based training curricula. Options are proposed to transition this technology and extend this capability to the domain of Combat Casualty Care."
Motion-induced User Symptomatology Toolkit for Evaluating Readiness (MUSTER) Phase II,N00014-14-C-0308,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,468380.00,"AnthroTronix, Inc.","8737 Colesville Rd, L203",,Silver Spring,MD,-,No,No,No,Carl Pompei,Executive Vice President,(301) 495-0770,cpompei@atinc.com,Anna Skinner,Human Factors Program Man,(310) 495-0770,askinner@atinc.com,"The primary objective of the MUSTER Phase II effort will be to develop, validate, and transition the PASS MUSTER technology to predict, diagnose, and mitigate motion-induced performance degradation within Naval and Marine Corps operational environments. Pursuant to this effort, the following technical objectives are proposed: Objective 1: Complete development and validation of predictive questionnaires and scoring algorithms; Objective 2: Complete development and validation of multi-modal diagnostic hardware; data synchronization, fusion, and visualization software; and diagnostic algorithms; Objective 3: Complete design and development of 3 mitigation technology platforms; Objective 4: Conduct experimental comparison of mitigation technology platforms; and Objective 5: Work with transition partners to establish technology transition agreement."
Micro Airborne Relay Technology,FA2487-13-C-0101,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,145713.00,"Anyar, Inc.","2113 Lewis Turner Blvd, Suite 104",,Fort Walton Beach,FL,32547-,Yes,Yes,No,Rayna M. McGlockton,President,(850) 226-8511,rmm@anyarinc.com,John P. Thomas,Principal Engineer,(850) 226-8511,jpt@anyarinc.com,"ABSTRACT: Test validation of munition performance, particularly in the endgame environment, requires that enormous quantities of video and other sensor data be collected in proximity to the munition impact or detonation location, and transmitted in some manner back to the ground receiving station, for subsequent post processing and analysis. A key challenge associated with this scenario is to find a means to relay this large quantity of data from the collection site located over water back to the beyond-the-horizon ground receiving stations. The power and antenna limitations of currently available transmitters make a direct transmission at the envisioned ranges impractical. Alternatively, one or more airborne relay platforms, combined into a system to meet the bandwidth requirements and other specifications, have the potential to provide the capability of relaying the test data under a beyond-the-horizon, water test range scenario. BENEFIT: Anyar anticipates three easily identifiable market needs in Disaster Relief Operations and DoD Operational support. A few of the candidate technologies identified are available in the civilian market. For instance, typically, these systems can be configured for compatibility with 4G LTE and/or WiMax technology. The relays can be utilized during natural disasters to temporarily increase or to temporarily replace damaged communication systems. In military applications, the miniature relay system will prove to be a valuable asset in the combat theater, as it would allow soldiers in the field to remain in communications with command at all levels, and allow them to relay back real time audio and video of operations in progress."
Data Analysis and Mining for Penetration Environment Dynamics (DAMPED),FA8651-14-M-0164,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149448.00,"Anyar, Inc.","2113 Lewis Turner Blvd, Suite 104",,Fort Walton Beach,FL,32547-,Yes,Yes,No,Rayna M. McGlockton,President,(850) 226-8511,rmm@anyarinc.com,John P. Thomas,Principal Scientist,(850) 226-8511,jpt@anyarinc.com,"ABSTRACT: We propose to develop an analysis/tool integration architecture to enable the synergistic exploration and capture of the critical features of the penetration fuze environment found within combined experimental and computational datasets. We will develop a design of the architecture and investigate the required capabilities of the architecture (software and hardware). We will implement a subset of the complete architecture as a prototype and perform preliminary modal data mining to demonstrate the efficacy of the approach to hard target fuze penetration environment characterization. As this effort proceeds into Phase II, we envision the development of a systematic design of experiments methodology that can perform data mining on the complex underlying database, ultimately serving as a fuze design tool for survivability and performance. BENEFIT: The tool developed in this SBIR will enable the government to integrate the tools required to perform penetration data generation, analysis, and mining to characterize the complexity of the penetration environment dynamics. It will address a number of challenging features from the efficient access and management of the underlying database to the incorporation of tools that can analyze the data and identify metrics capable of mapping a survivability envelope of fuzes and predicting their failure. We focus on aspects of the canonical problem domain in which complex weapon target interaction drives the development, modeling, and testing of penetrating weapons and their associated fuzes. By using the tools from this SBIR, contractors and government agencies will be able to create integrated analysis plans that span the test, simulation, and analysis domains, encouraging reuse of algorithms, tools, and analysis packages without the challenges of consideration for the ability to use data across the domain boundaries."
High Performance Angular Rate Sensors for Compact Inertial Guidance without GPS,FA8651-14-M-0147,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,143969.00,"AOSense, Inc.",767 N Mary Ave,,Sunnyvale,CA,94085-,No,No,No,Michael Geltz,Controller,(408) 735-9500,mgeltz@aosense.com,Matthew Cashen,Principle Physicist,(408) 735-9500,mcashen@aosense.com,Atom interferometer inertial sensors can provide game changing performance improvements in inertial accuracy for tactical inertially-guided weapons without the need for GPS aiding. This technology is the most viable option for manufacture of IMUs of strategic-grade accuracy in a tactical weapon-sized inertial package within a 5-year time frame. We propose to develop an atomic thermal beam gyroscope-accelerometer that will meet the goal of fielding inertially guided weapons without the need for GPS that will be available for field testing in the 3 5 year time frame. The proposed sensor will deliver better than navigation grade performance and will fit within a volume smaller than 50 cubic inches including lasers and drive electronics.
Portable Cold Atom Frequency Standard for Field Applications,D14PC00136,DOD,DARPA,SBIR,2014,1,99806.00,"AOSense, Inc.",767 N Mary Ave,,Sunnyvale,CA,94085-,No,No,No,Mike Geltz,Controller,(408) 735-9500,mgeltz@aosense.com,Martin Boyd,Principal Physicist,(408) 735-9500,mboyd@aosense.com,"We propose development of a high performance, portable atomic clock using cold atom technology. The clock will have short term stability of better than 10^-12 at one second and of 5x10^-15 at timescales of one day. The size, weight, and power (SWaP) of"
Atom Interferometric Inertial Measurement Unit,N00024-14-C-4062,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,749993.00,"AOSense, Inc.",767 N Mary Ave,,Sunnyvale,CA,94085-,No,No,No,Michael Geltz,Controller,(408) 735-9500,mgeltz@aosense.com,Michael Matthews,Principal Physicist,(408) 735-9500,mmatthews@aosense.com,"We propose to build and test a prototype IMU based on atomic interferometry. This includes the laser source, vacuum system, simplified low-power electronics, and software. Initial testing of noise level, bias drifts, and performance under dynamics will be done on a per-axis basis, transitioning to testing of the full IMU at the end of the project."
Compact Optical Clock for Field Applications,FA9453-14-M-0076,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149945.00,"AOSense, Inc.",767 N Mary Ave,,Sunnyvale,CA,94085-,No,No,No,Mike Geltz,Controller,(408) 735-9500,mgeltz@aosense.com,Matthew Swallows,Physicist,(408) 735-9500,mswallows@aosense.com,"ABSTRACT: AOSense proposes to design a compact optical atomic clock capable of stabilities of better than 1e-14 at 1 second and of 1e-16 at 1 day. The proposed physics package will fit within a volume of ~4L, and prospects for further miniaturization are excellent. The proposed device employs technologies already well-developed at AOSense for a number of other government and commercial programs. A primary focus of our effort will be a simplified, robust design suitable for future space qualification. This device, when integrated with a compact optical frequency comb, will provide stable timing information that could find application in a number of areas, including high performance commercial timekeeping, timekeeping in GPS-denied environments, and as part of the GPS constellation itself. BENEFIT: The proposed device will benefit a number of DoD applications, including timekeeping in GPS-denied environments or as part of the GPS system itself. We anticipate that there will also be commercial applications for such a device as part of a practical optical frequency synthesizer. Techniques developed during the course of this effort will likely also be useful for even more advanced future clocks."
Compact Optical Frequency Synthesizer,FA9453-14-M-0091,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149216.00,"AOSense, Inc.",767 N Mary Ave,,Sunnyvale,CA,94085-,No,No,No,Mike Geltz,Controller,(408) 735-9500,mgeltz@aosense.com,Arman Cingoz,Physicist,(408) 735-9500,acingoz@aosense.com,"ABSTRACT: AOSense proposes to design a compact and robust optical frequency synthesizer with a volume of<2 liters that will be capable of producing a stable microwave frequency of ~100 MHz, as well as an optical output. The system is based on the integration of a narrow-linewidth laser stabilized to a high-finesse optical cavity and a fiber-based optical frequency comb, which transfers the frequency stability of the laser to the microwave output. We anticipate the frequency stability of the laser will be limited to 1E-14 at 1 second of integration time by the optical cavity. The corresponding phase noise performance of the microwave output exceeds the performance of commercial quartz and sapphire oscillators and will enable improved capability for a variety of applications such as radar, communication, and high-speed electronics. The optical output of the system can be stabilized to an atomic transition to provide long-term stability, as well as serve as a readout of the transition frequency. Such a readout system is an integral part of next generation optical atomic clocks that will provide improvements in timing and synchronization, as well as navigation in GPS limited or denied environments. BENEFIT: The proposed device will benefit a number of DoD and commercial applications listed below. Low phase noise microwave generator: The frequency comb system can generate microwave signals with better phase noise performance than commercial quartz and sapphire oscillators by utilizing optical frequency division. The improved phase noise performance directly leads to improved capability for radar, communication and high-speed electronics vital to DoD applications. Optical atomic clock readout: The frequency comb system can be integrated with an optical atomic clock to discipline the clock laser and serve as a readout system for the clock. Such an integrated system will provide improved timing and synchronization to increase robustness of the GPS system, as well as provide accurate timing in GPS denied environments. Optical frequency synthesizer: There is a small, but growing market for frequency combs for laboratory use beyond metrology labs at government institutes. As the system cost comes down, optical synthesizers that can output requested optical frequency with Hz precision will become commonplace in most military, commercial R & D, and academic labs utilizing laser light."
Disruptive Navigation Architectures,FA9453-14-M-0128,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149769.00,"AOSense, Inc.",767 N Mary Ave,,Sunnyvale,CA,94085-,No,No,No,Michael Geltz,Controller,(408) 735-9500,mgeltz@aosense.com,"James J. Spilker, Jr.",Executive Chairman,(650) 726-6008,jspilker@aosense.com,"ABSTRACT: This SBIR project develops disruptive navigation technologies using integrated communications/navigation technologies including adaptive space-time vector processing operating on novel atom-based precision inertial navigation systems, ultra-precision clocks, and other signals and sensors to cope with unique threats and environments. BENEFIT: The 21st Century is bringing with it a new revolution in the technology and infrastructure for position, navigation, and time with, on the one hand, new satellite constellations and signals, new precision atom-based inertial navigation systems, related sensors and clocks, high-speed communications, and parallel processing, and on the other hand, new threats for those objectives for precision navigation and time. The anticipated benefits of this technology will lead to disruptive navigation technology, satellite and related infrastructure that will lead to development of technology and software towards a""Gold Standard""of space-time vector signal processing and integrated new atom inertial, clocks, and communications/navigation technology that will provide great advantages to our military and nation while helping control the costs in an era of tight budgets."
"Fully Integrated Low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) and Cost Magnetometers for Air and In-Water Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)",N68335-14-C-0201,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79783.00,"AOSense, Inc.",767 N Mary Ave,,Sunnyvale,CA,94085-,No,No,No,Michael Geltz,Controller,(408) 735-9500,mgeltz@aosense.com,Micah Ledbetter,Physicist,(408) 735-9500,mledbetter@aosense.com,"We propose to develop the next generation of scalar atomic magnetometers with superior performance and lower size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP) than is presently available on the market. Our design leverages recent developments in the field of ultra-high sensitivity atomic magnetometers, incorporating multi-pass vapor cells and quantum non-demolition measurements to realize sensitivity in the range of 1-10 fT per root Hz and bandwidth in excess of 1 kHz. Vapor cell and all supporting lasers and electronics will be contained within a volume less than 100 cubic centimeters with less than 1 W total power consumption. To minimize magnetic interference between sensors in high order gradiometer applications, spin coherences will be driven by modulated light."
Gravity-enhanced Covert Submarine Navigation,N68335-14-C-0232,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79335.00,"AOSense, Inc.",767 N Mary Ave,,Sunnyvale,CA,94085-,No,No,No,Michael Geltz,Controller,(408) 735-9500,mgeltz@aosense.com,Miroslav Shverdin,Principal Physicist,(408) 735-9500,mshverdin@aosense.com,"We propose a novel navigation paradigm that utilizes an arrangement of multiple gradiometers for covert submarine navigation. Our proposed Phase I research will analyze the feasibility and benefits of the proposed navigation technique and develop quantitative models to simulate submarine navigation under various representative CONOPs. In addition, we will develop a detailed design for a compact, highly accurate, cold-atom gravity gradiometer. We will configure a gravity gradiometers based on cold-atom interferometry in a highly robust, simple-to-operate, fieldable, and comparatively low-cost package. If successful, we plan to build and test the designed gravity gradiometer in Phase II of this SBIR."
High Efficiency Electric Power Manager for Man-Portable Photovoltaic Systems,N00014-14-P-1111,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,1,149919.00,APECOR,"3267 Progress Drive, Ste. 106A",,Orlando,FL,32826-2930,No,No,No,Antoine Khoury,CEO,(407) 476-4747,akhoury@apecor.com,John C. Elmes III,VP of Advanced Technology,(407) 476-4747,jelmes@apecor.com,"Apecor will develop an advanced portable power manager for rapid field recharging of military rechargeable batteries from foldable photovoltaic (PV) panels as well as scavenged energy from any available power source. This power manager will be to directly support the soldier by reducing the necessary burden of carried batteries, and reduce the logistical burden of transporting energy to the field of battle. The power manager must be extremely efficient, integrate advanced multi-objective digital control techniques, implement high speed maximum power point tracking (MPPT), and have the ability to connect to an ad-hoc power sharing network between multiple power managers so as to improve operational effectiveness. Apecor has developed and currently manufactures a high performance PV battery charger for the BB-XX90 battery which has been shown to exceed the performance of comparable products drastically (30%-50% faster charging) due to advanced high speed MPPT and digital control algorithms. This new technology will integrate Apecor's proven state -of-the-art MPPT and solar battery charge algorithms with a new soft switching bidirectional DC-DC converter topology, advanced magnetic components, high density electronic packaging and cooling technology, high performance digital control and power management techniques, and a rugged yet low cost enclosure design."
Bulk Non-Equilibrium Materials by Shockwave Consolidation,FA9550-14-C-0050,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149999.00,"TXL Group, Inc.",2000 Wyoming Ave.,,El Paso,TX,79903-,No,No,No,David Nemir,President,(915) 533-7800,david@txlgroup.com,Jan Beck,Chief Technology Officer,(915) 533-7800,janbeck@gmail.com,"ABSTRACT: Phase 1 research will validate an approach for material synthesis that combines mechanical alloying with explosive powder consolidation to produce bulk materials with novel properties. The main advantage to the approach is that it can be applied to diverse material systems, including the creation of alloys with otherwise insoluble constituents. An additional advantage is that it has a straightforward path for scale up to industrial levels of production. In Phase 1, elemental powders of bismuth, antimony and tellurium will be mechanically alloyed, both with and without inert nanoinclusions, to produce a powder with particles that are in a highly non-equilibrium state. Explosive powder consolidation will allow the imposition of dynamic pressures in excess of 10 GPa to accomplish densification and interparticle bonding without the attendant grain growth and loss of non-equilibrium features that occur with other powder metallurgy approaches. A series of post-consolidation heat treatments for the step restoration of the material to the equilibrium state allows a characterization of bulk properties as a function of departure from equilibrium. The specific application addressed in Phase 1 is the development of high performance p-type thermoelectric material, a choice that not only has immediate market potential but that also allows microstructural assessment through measurements of bulk quantities such as thermopower, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity. BENEFIT: Non-equilibrium materials produced by shockwave synthesis may exhibit unique properties such as increased ductility, higher strength and higher melting point. A specific application that will benefit is in the production of thermoelectric materials where the high incidence of grain boundaries and lattice defects will reduce thermal conductivity and increase the figure-of-merit, Z. A higher Z thermoelectric material has an immediate home in generation and Peltier heat pumping applications."
Nanotechnology Approach for Transmission Loss-of-Lubrication Survivability,W911QX-14-C-0071,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,2,499339.00,Applied Colloids,11080 Industrial Circle NW,,Elk River,MN,55330-,No,No,No,Gary Pozarnsky,Senior Scientist,(651) 485-1368,poz0001@aol.com,Gary Pozarnsky,Senior Scientist,(651) 485-1368,poz0001@aol.com,Applied Colloids has developed a simple nanotechnology technique with which to provide a low coefficient of friction on the interacting surfaces of gears and other interacting machinery. This technology would widen the window with which a rotorcraft woul
Efficient Photometry,FA9451-14-M-0177,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149673.00,Applied Defense Solutions Inc.,10440 Little Patuxent Parkway,P.O. Box 1102,Columbia,MD,21044-,No,No,No,Thomas Kubancik,"Vice President, Advanced Systems",(303) 570-3707,TKubancik@AppliedDefense.com,Jacob Griesbach,Technical Director,(719) 482-8911,JGriesbach@AppliedDefense.com,"ABSTRACT: Current photometric calibration techniques take away too much time from performing actual collections of interest, which decreases the efficiency and usefulness of important SSA resources. In response to the AF141-013 SBIR Solicitation for Efficient Photometry, the ADS-PDS team proposes to study in-frame photometric calibration feasibility and to provide an approach that is implementable for current operations. We plan to leverage existing in-frame astrometric and photometric algorithms and software previously developed by PDS. Under this Phase I effort, ADS will add in-frame photometric calibration techniques. Furthermore, the ADS team will study the algorithm""s calibration accuracies and applicability to a diverse set of sensor field-of-views (FOVs) and signal-to-noise ratios, while validating and testing the software with actual astronomy images to ensure that it is low cost, globally applicable, near-real-time, and requires no additional collection time. We plan to pair the software with the latest, most robust photometric catalog currently available, the SST-RC3 catalog, to maximize the potential to identify stars in even the smallest FOVs. Furthermore, we will optimize the software for robustness, usability, and efficiency. The effort will conclude with a demonstration of the algorithm on standard computing hardware. BENEFIT: The ADS team""s proposed solution is expected to provide photometric calibrations of 10% or better using in-frame techniques with no a priori calibration collections, even for non-photometric sky collection nights (such as nights with dynamic photometric properties, e.g. clouds, water vapor extinction, light pollution, etc.). Since the approach works for a wide range of sensor FOVs and signal-to-noise ratios and requires no special hardware, the approach should be easily applicable to a wide range of currently operational optical SSA sensors, ranging from Raven-class telescopes to SST, and even SBSS. The approach can be shown to be beneficial even for clear filtered sensors."
Decision Aid to Threat Identification and Intent Modeling,FA9451-14-M-0180,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,148811.00,Applied Defense Solutions Inc.,10440 Little Patuxent Parkway,P.O. Box 1102,Columbia,MD,21044-,No,No,No,Thomas Kubancik,"Vice President, Advanced Systems",(303) 570-3707,TKubancik@AppliedDefense.com,Mathew Wilkins,Aerospace Engineer,(410) 715-0005,MWilkins@AppliedDefense.com,"ABSTRACT: Applied Defense Solutions (ADS) has embarked upon a new approach to data correlation and aggregation using a space object taxonomy that provides a set of unique signatures for automatically recognizing and classifying a space object. The goal of this Space Signatures effort is to find automated techniques for threat identification and intent modeling that will enable analysts to take signature data from different phenomenology sensors, combine them, and discern more intelligence than can be determined from the individual sensors alone. The Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project focuses on photometric light curve data as the initial data source and utilizes the GOTS Ananke software suite to ingest evidence from a Multiple Model Adaptive Estimator (MMAE). ADS has shown previously that its Hierarchical Reasoning Tool (HRT), which is a component of Ananke, can rapidly, decisively, and accurately select the correct object identification hypothesis based upon the priors and the observational evidence supplied by the MMAE. This Phase 1 effort will leverage the HRT and lead to a method to monitor satellite observables using optical and other data sources to predict and understand future activities of operational satellites in orbit. BENEFIT: Hierarchical reasoning capabilities provide a structured and mathematically rigorous methodology to correlate and aggregate sparse data from disparate sensors. The completed software tools could be used by both government and commercial entities that wish to not only provide indications of and attribution for anomalous events but also predict the likelihood of future intention and warn of possible threats."
Strategic Collection for Rapid Return to Continuous Monitoring for Deep Space Wide Area Search and Tasked Sensors,FA9451-14-M-0181,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149237.00,Applied Defense Solutions Inc.,10440 Little Patuxent Parkway,P.O. Box 1102,Columbia,MD,21044-,No,No,No,Thomas Kubancik,"Vice President, Advanced Systems",(303) 570-3707,TKubancik@AppliedDefense.com,Islam Hussein,Aerospace Engineer,(410) 715-0005,IHussein@AppliedDefense.com,"ABSTRACT: The goal of the proposed research in response to solicitation AF141-015 is to develop a collection concept of operations and software prioritized in the geosynchronous (GEO) and super-synchronous regimes using optical telescopes to maintain custody of objects and to detect and revisit new objects that enter the space, thereby enhancing the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities of the United States. Applied Defense Solutions (ADS) researchers and our Pacific Defense Solutions (PDS) and Texas A & M University teammates propose to do this by more efficiently allocating existing sensors and by maximizing the informational return of the data they collect. Improving the situational awareness and data-collection capabilities of existing and new optical telescopes can result in orders of magnitude improvements in awareness. This can be achieved by basing the situational awareness and data-collection capabilities of existing sensors on rational, information-centric criteria. In Phase I, ADS will show the necessity of using the Finite Set Statistics (FISST), information reward and stochastic optimization methodologies and demonstrate the scientific merit and feasibility of these concepts when employed to automated multi-telescope scheduling aimed at maximizing awareness (by maintaining custody via systematic revisit of existing objects and detect/discover new objects) of man-made objects. BENEFIT: With the successful completion of Phase I, a successfully-running TASMAN-like simulation environment that implements Finite Set Statistics (FISST) and Information State Receding Horizon Control (ISRHC) for GEO/super-synchronous RSO population inference and optimal sensor tasking will be developed. The algorithms will be able to efficiently maintain custody, detecting changes and new dim objects and characterize cued and uncued targets. The algorithm will be able to quantify the likelihood of follow-up detection (one of FISST""s standard capabilities). If implemented in SSA systems, it is anticipated that the data collected from the optical sensors will provide orders of magnitude improvement in data quality and awareness of the GEO/super-synchronous environment, which will lead to increased U.S. capability in predicting and responding to space-related threats. Phase II would continue to transition the solution to operational software and a decentralized near-real-time web-services to be tested in Maui."
Near Real-Time Quantification of Stochastic Model Parameters,W911NF-14-C-0151,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,1000000.00,"Applied Mathematics, Inc.","1622 Route 12, Box 637",,Gales Ferry,CT,-,No,No,No,William J. Browning,President,(860) 464-7259,wjbrowning@applmath.com,William J. Browning,President,(860) 464-7259,wjbrowning@applmath.com,"Mathematical models of physical and biological systems contain parameters that need to be estimated from measured data. Models with parameters distributed probabilistically require the estimates of a probability measure over the set of admissible parameters. We propose to use frequentist-based approaches for non-parametrically estimating probability measures that describe the distribution of parameters across all members of a given population in the case where only aggregate longitudinal data are available. We will develop mathematical models for specific biological and physical systems of current interest to U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), estimate model parameters, and quantify and propagate uncertainty in these systems. Software implementing the algorithms will be developed for use in real-time estimation."
Continuous Custody During Transport,FA8818-14-M-0027,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149999.00,Applied Minds,1209 Grand Central Ave,,Glendale,CA,91201-,No,No,No,Daniel Toomey,Proposal Contract Specialist,(818) 332-5265,dtoomey@appliedminds.com,Steven Huybrechts,VP of Government Systems,(703) 483-2202,shuybrechts@appliedminds.com,"ABSTRACT: The Operationally Responsive Space Office (ORS) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) are currently undertaking an initiative on Open Manufacturing for satellites and space systems, with the goal of improved reliability, faster development, and reduced cost. The present SBIR topic (AF141-106) is very much related to this effort as it seeks to develop technologies that provide game-changing responsiveness for spacecraft. Applied Minds, LLC (AMI) proposes to use this SBIR topic to fund the design of one specific aspect of the Open Manufacturing program the assurance of continuous custody of a satellite or space system during transport. We intend to adapt certain methods and designs that are part of the Open Manufacturing project to the needs of satellite transport. BENEFIT: Anticipated benefits include immediate application to the Open Manufacturing program, and benefits to the space program as a whole. The technologies and processes developed during the effort are likely to have wider applications in the transportation and shipping industries, as part of the fulfillment function."
Position Always,FA9453-14-M-0127,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149967.00,Applied Minds,1209 Grand Central Ave,,Glendale,CA,91201-,No,No,No,Daniel Toomey,Proposal Contract Specialist,(818) 332-5265,dtoomey@appliedminds.com,Steven Huybrechts,VP of Government Systems,(703) 483-2202,shuybrechts@appliedminds.com,"ABSTRACT: SBIR topic AF141-253 seeks disruptive navigation architectures, specifically, new concepts for next-generation position, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems. The solicitation seeks game-changing capability, and encourages disruptive thinking by eliminating requirements for backwards compatibility. Applied Minds, LLC (AMI) proposes to draw upon our prior technologies and experience to design (in Phase I) and prototype (in Phase II) an autonomous positioning system that we call Position Always, which will detect which positioning technologies are available, and use any available method to obtain location information. Our proposed solution will seek to fulfill some of the game-changing scenarios described in the SBIR topic, such as operate in a completely RF-jammed environment, operate without access to space assets, and use existing natural or man-made radiation sources as fiduciaries. At this time, AMI proposes a 9-month Phase I effort to design and specify a Position Always capability. BENEFIT: Anticipated benefits of the Position Always solution include greatly improved location identification capability in the field, improved collaborative sharing of information and resources, and integration with other PNT solutions."
High Efficiency Flexible Photovoltaics,N00014-14-P-1107,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,1,149966.00,"Applied Nanotech, Inc.",3006 Longhorn Blvd.,3006 Longhorn Blvd.,Austin,TX,-,No,No,No,Jacque Soptick,Controller,(512) 339-5020,jsoptick@appliednanotech.net,James Novak,VP Applications Development,(512) 339-5020,jnovak@appliednanotech.net,"Applied Nanotech, Inc. proposes to partner with a leading thin-silicon solar cell manufacturer to develop highly flexible, dielectric backplane materials. ANI and its partner will take advantage of the flexibility of thin-silicon and work to provide support solutions that have excellent adhesion and do suffer from delamination. The thin-silicon technology can currently produce solar cells with greater than 200W/m2 power density. The focus of this SBIR will be to demonstrate reliability and flexibility for field deployable applications."
Advanced Algorithms for Non-Resolved Space Based Space Sensing,FA9453-14-M-0154,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,"Applied Optimization, Inc.",714 E Monument Ave Ste 204,,Dayton,OH,45402-,No,Yes,No,Catherine Keenan,Finance Manager,(937) 431-5100,katy.keenan@appliedo.com,Tamara Payne,Principal Scientist,(937) 431-5100,tamara.payne@appliedo.com,"The research objective of the proposed effort is to demonstrate and transition an autonomous, rapid determination of satellite features to be used for Threat Indication and Warning (TIN). The scope is to enhance and transition the advanced algorithms previously developed under AFRL/RV into operation in the Joint Space Operations Center (JSPOC) Mission System (JMS) through the JMS Advanced Research Collaboration and Application Development Environment (ARCADE) at AFRL/RV. The goal is for these algorithms to produce higher fidelity monitoring, change detection, and characterization of objects in Deep Space, particularly the geosynchronous (GEO) belt using unresolved photometric signature data. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of implementing characterization tools in ARCADE as proof of operational worthiness. Specifically, Phase I will demonstrate the GEO characterization tool, Photometry Analysis Software Tool Dayton (PAST-D) operating in the ARCADE environment in near real-time. Phase I will also include the development and testing of statistical algorithms for dynamic statistical assessment that detects changes for TIN. These modules will be merged with PAST-D to create a new tool, the Photometry-based Satellite Status Assessment System (PSSAS), to be demonstrated in ARCADE in Phase II that will derive TIN from the assessment of the evolution of fine photometric features."
"Compact, Repetitive Pulsed Power Driver Design for Emerging High Power Radio Frequency Sources",N00014-14-P-1060,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79997.00,"Applied Physical Electronics, L.C.",PO Box 341149,,Austin,TX,78734-,No,No,No,Jon Mayes,CEO,(512) 264-1804,mayes@apelc.com,Jon Mayes,CEO,(512) 264-1804,mayes@apelc.com,"A programmable universal pulsed power source capable of delivering voltages up to 50 kV, current up to 1 kA, pulse durations of 100""s of ns and repetition rates of 10""s of kHz is proposed to meet near term high powered RF research and development efforts. The concept is proposed to reduce development cost, while also reducing the amount of time to develop new pulsed power sources to meet changes in the load design. The proposed system will be computer controlled, for real time changes in the pulsed power system."
Standard Test Method for Prepreg Resin Impregnation Level,FA8650-14-M-5042,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149814.00,"Applied Poleramic, Inc.",6166 Egret Court,,Benicia,CA,94510-,No,No,No,Doyle Dixon,Vice President,(707) 747-6738,poleramic@aol.com,Brian S. Hayes,President&CEO,(707) 747-6738,hayesb1@sbcglobal.net,"ABSTRACT: Research will be conducted to develop a standardized test for accurately determining the resin impregnation level in prepreg materials. A permeability type test apparatus will be developed and used to quantify the level of impregnation of polymer matrix prepreg materials. This type of test equates to open volume in a prepreg material that is available for gas and volatile transport. The test will be developed so that material specifications can be incorporated into acceptance requirements for prepreg materials. This will enable greater confidence in the quality and reproducibility of the prepreg from a manufacturing perspective and final part performance. Ultimately, this test will enable cost savings in manufacturing prepreg based composites parts and especially out-of-autoclave, vacuum bag only cure composite parts. BENEFIT: The test developed in this research program will ultimately lead to greater quality and reproducibility of prepreg materials for use in composite part manufacturing. This test will be able to determine accurately the level of impregnation of prepreg materials, which is especially necessary for vacuum bag only cure materials. All forms of prepregs will be able to be characterized including woven fabrics and uni-tapes. It is anticipated that this test will be used by prepreg manufacturers to provide batch specification details but also used by part manufacturers for quality and process control. This test may also be used to understand the gas and volatile transport in various layups as a function of material and orientation, and therefore intra and interply permeability. Further testing of how the permeability of the prepreg or layup changes during the cure cycle could also be undertaken with this test. It is anticipated that prepreg manufacturers will also find use for this test in the design of prepreg materials through analysis of how prepreg process parameters affect the level of impregnation."
Low CSWAP Multi-Beam TCDL Antenna System,N68335-14-C-0025,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79934.00,"Applied Radar, Inc.",315 Commerce Park Road,,North Kingstown,RI,02852-,No,No,No,Michael Sherry,President,(401) 295-0062,msherry@appliedradar.com,William Weedon,CEO,(401) 295-0062,wweedon@appliedradar.com,"Applied Radar proposes to develop a high-gain low cost, size, power and weight (low-CSWAP) tactical common data link (TCDL) antenna for the Firescout and Predator UAVs. The improved TCDL antenna will support 6 or more nodes of high-gain full-duplex communication at 21.42 MBPS in a star network configuration with 360 degree coverage out to 110 nm slant range. In Phase 1, we will design, fabricate and test a medium-gain multi-beam antenna that can close a 21.42 MBPS UAV-Ground link out to 110 nmi and a UAV-UAV link out to 50 nmi, which is equivalent in gain to the antenna currently being used, but which supports 6 simultaneous links and has built-in electronic beam switching. In Phase 2, we design, fab and test a high-gain antenna that can close the 21.42 MBPS UAV-UAV link out to 110 nmi, including the Az/El beam switching and control, for both uplink and downlink."
Multi-Band Dual-Aperture SATCOM Antenna for Rotary Wing Aircraft,N68335-14-C-0258,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79999.00,"Applied Radar, Inc.",315 Commerce Park Road,,North Kingstown,RI,02852-,No,No,No,William Weedon,President/CEO,(401) 295-0062,wweedon@appliedradar.com,William Weedon,President/CEO,(401) 295-0062,wweedon@appliedradar.com,"A multi-band dual-aperture SATCOM antenna is proposed to support rotary-wing aircraft thru-rotor performance at X, Ku and Ka-bands including Ku-band TCDL as an option. Our proposed effort focuses on a low-cost design with reduced height and leverages existing aperture and radome technology from our prime contractor partner Lockheed-Martin. It also leverages existing digital modem technology developed at Applied Radar, as well as our experience in gimbal and controller design. In Phase 1, thru-rotor measurements will be performed with a test aircraft to assess and verify link-budget performance. Portions of the antenna and modem will be designed and fabricated. The Phase 1 Option will include design of the gimbal and controller, as well as additional antenna/modem design and testing. Phase 2 will include integration of the various components into a complete working antenna prototype meeting all of the frequency band requirements."
"Robust, Lightweight Composite Coatings Based on Carbon Nanofibers",FA8650-14-M-5065,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149987.00,"Applied Sciences, Inc.",141 W. Xenia Ave.,PO Box 579,Cedarville,OH,45314-,No,No,No,Max L. Lake,President,(937) 766-2020,mllake@apsci.com,Patrick D. Lake,Director of Composite Materials,(937) 766-2020,pdlake@apsci.com,"ABSTRACT: The Air Force seeks to develop a new means of repairing aircraft structural composite components that have sustained minor damage. Repair of aircraft components can be a labor intensive and time consuming process. Multi-component repair coatings oftentimes must be applied, removed, and reapplied numerous times to ensure absence of pinholes and to achieve good surface finishes. Applied Sciences, Inc. proposes to develop single-step sprayable, advanced abrasion protection repair coatings to address these needs. Nanocomposites feature reinforcement at the molecular level which can far exceed the physical properties of two-phase composite systems. ASI intends to modify high-quality, low-cost carbon nanofibers (CNF), which have demonstrated exceptional abrasion protection for composite coatings, and will incorporate them in the development of a sprayable resin solution for a one-step application process. The CNF-enhanced coatings will be evaluated for level of dispersion, to ensure optimum improvement in mechanical properties and surface finish. The coatings will then be applied to composite panels and will be characterized for flexibility, adhesion, abrasion resistance, and sand-ability. The resulting CNF-enhanced coating will increase the service life of the composite component on the aircraft, protect the composite component from additional damage, as well as to reduce the maintenance time and cost. BENEFIT: Abrasion resistant coatings for structural composites will have application in the automotive industry, commercial aircraft, and in marine and naval applications."
Advancement of Thin Resistive Polymer Films with Graphitic Nanomaterials,FA8650-14-C-5084,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,1489927.00,"Applied Sciences, Inc.",141 W. Xenia Ave.,PO Box 579,Cedarville,OH,45314-,No,No,No,Max Lake,President,(937) 766-2020,mllake@apsci.com,Patrick Lake,Director of Composite Mat,(937) 766-2020,pdlake@apsci.com,"ABSTRACT: Applied Sciences, Inc. (ASI) has developed a process for producing high performance mechanically robust thin polymer films with tailor-able electrical resistivity using graphitic nanomaterials and readily-scalable processing equipment. The ASI film material features high quality, nano-scale conductive additives, carbon nanofibers (CNF), which are commercially available in large volumes and at low cost. The polymer resin used for this effort is a high performance polyimide resin which is also commercially available in large volumes, although the process developed by ASI is capable of producing film materials with any film forming polymer resin that is of interest to Air Force and/or defense contractors. ASI has previously demonstrated the ability to consistently produce robust, high quality, isotropic films that meet the electrical resistivity targets over a wide range, allowing for customers to design platforms with tailored electrical resistivity to match the requirements of their application. Under this effort, ASI will optimize and scale-up the thin film production process. Significant testing and materials evaluation will be conducted with participation from prime contractors and Air Force in order to position the ASI film materials for transition to the fleet. BENEFIT: Development of more robust resistive thin polymer films will provide benefits to numerous commercial electronics applications as well as commercial aircraft applications. The benefit to Defense applications will be a reduction in lifecycle cost of the resistive thin films compared to materials currently in use."
Fusing Uncertain and Heterogeneous Information Making Sense of the Battlefield,W911NF-14-C-0087,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,2,488266.00,Veloxiti,3650 Brookside Parkway,Suite 400,Alpharetta,GA,30022-,No,No,No,Kelly McBride,CFO,(678) 641-4156,kmcbride@gdcus.com,John Merrihew,VP Government Systems,(678) 665-5668,johnmerrihew@veloxiti.com,"The military""s increasingly capable net-centric environment offers clear benefits and undeniable challenges. Due to the development of new sensor platforms and sensor technologies, physics-based information capabilities have increased but limitations on human/system exploitation capabilities have limited sensor tasking such that these capabilities are underutilized. IF there were enough people and enough time it might be possible to make sense of the data produced by today""s sensors. Of course, neither condition holds. Given this challenge, we advocate the development of intelligent systems that help people function more effectively in spite of high data rates and short time-frames."
"Scalable, Secure Associative Database",N00014-14-P-1085,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79975.00,Applied Technical Systems Inc.,3505 NW Anderson Hill Rd,Suite 200,Silverdale,WA,98383-,No,No,No,Carey Kolb,"Vice President, Systems E",(360) 989-3344,carey.kolb@atsid.com,Kenneth Smith,"Chief Scientist, R&D",(703) 546-2929,ken.smith@atsid.com,"The Associative Model of Data offers a fundamentally different meta-model for data organization than the well-established relational data model. The associative model focuses on Items and Links among items rather than sets of records. We propose to compare and contrast the associative model with two closely related models, the Resource Description Framework (RDF) triple model and the Property Graph model popularized by modern open-source graph databases. By reviewing existing documentation, technical papers and implementations, we seek to identify a feature set appropriate for scaling out to petabyte scales subject to Multi-Level Security constraints. To effectively compare alternative implementations, we propose to establish a benchmark, consisting of both generative data and a collection of representative queries. The primary outcome of our Phase I effort will be an architectural design for a scalable, secure database embracing the associative/graph model of data. This database will be a critical enabling component of a larger data exploitation and analysis framework which will ultimately include natural language processing, information extraction, and large-scale data analysis capabilities."
Scoring Analysis via Data Integration and Information Extraction (SADIIE),N00024-14-P-4534,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79943.00,Applied Technical Systems Inc.,3505 NW Anderson Hill Rd,Suite 200,Silverdale,WA,98383-,No,No,No,Doug West,Vice President,(757) 483-5959,doug.west@atsid.com,Doug West,Vice President,(757) 483-5959,doug.west@atsid.com,"Applied Technical Systems, Inc. (ATS) proposes to leverage its expertise with maintenance and logistics support of Naval systems and its experience in developing data-rich software solutions to research, design, and develop a data integration and analysis system that is capable of fusing unstructured (textual) and structured (machine-readable) data sources to provide a quantitative assessment (score) of the effectiveness of Naval maintenance and sustainment processes. Assessing whether existing systems and procedures are meeting their goals requires bringing together data from across multiple, disconnected silos. Much of the vital data that identifies key performance indicators, thresholds for acceptable quality or cost, or desirable outcomes are only available in unstructured text documents. We propose a system that allows users with no prior experience in Natural Language Processing (NLP) or Information Extraction (IE) practices to interact with an automated system that learns over time how to extract the data they require. This data, in turn, feeds a scoring capability that allows users to construct and monitor quantitative measures of the effectiveness of existing or planned sustainment practices. Such data can then been used to provide meaningful, objective information to support process improvement initiatives."
Magnetic Sphere Gyro (MSG),FA8651-14-M-0146,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149969.00,Applied Technology Associates,1300 Britt SE,,Albuquerque,NM,-,No,No,No,Tom Edmondson,"Director, Contracts&Prg Control",(505) 767-1214,tom.edmondson@atacorp.com,Darren Laughlin,ATA Chief Inventor,(505) 767-1224,darren.laughlin@atacorp.com,"High performance angular rate sensors (gyros) with low SWaP, wide operating temperature range, and low cost are required to improve tactical IMUs to strategic grade for long-range weapons guidance without GPS. ATA is proposing the Magnetic Sphere Gyro (MSG), a non-MEMS 2-DOF rate gyro based on a spinning magnetic sphere. The MSG is a relatively simple device with minimal parts count yet has the potential for very high performance with low SWaP and cost. Initial analysis of the MSG shows promise of a small, rugged, low power gyro in a relatively small package (~1 in3 MSG volume goal). The MSG has the potential for low cost in volume production due to low parts count and because many of the fundamental MSG components are currently COTS components produced in high volume and at low cost. The Phase I effort will focus on the design, fabrication, and the characterization of the MSG Engineering Development Unit (EDU). The MSG EDU is a critical laboratory experiment unit to demonstrate the MSG physical principles and the MSG concept feasibility to achieve the required IMU improvements. ATA will leverage our inertial device development and IRU/IMU expertise in the development of the MSG and tactical IMUs."
Massive Optomechanical Navigation Accelerometer (MONA),FA8651-14-M-0150,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149930.00,Applied Technology Associates,1300 Britt SE,,Albuquerque,NM,-,No,No,No,Tom Edmondson,"Director, Contracts&Prg Control",(505) 767-1214,tom.edmondson@atacorp.com,Darren Laughlin,ATA Chief Inventor,(505) 767-1224,darren.laughlin@atacorp.com,"High performance linear accelerometers with low SWaP, wide operating temperature range, and low cost are required to improve tactical IMUs to strategic grade for long-range weapons guidance without GPS. The ATA/Sandia Team is proposing the Massive Optomechanical Navigation Accelerometer (MONA), a MEMS integrated with an optical wave guide (zipper cavity). MONA will utilize a state-of-the-art optomechanical transduction scheme coupled to a large MEMS inertial sensing mass to enable incredibly high sensitivities. As a fundamental part of the design, the structure will be designed with high reliability and manufacturability, accomplished by the separation of the thin films needed for the optical transduction from the much larger bulk silicon inertial sensing structure. MONA has the potential for very high performance with extremely low SWaP and cost. Initial analysis of MONA shows promise of a small, rugged, low power accelerometer in a relatively small package (~0.25 in3). The Phase I effort will focus on the design, fabrication, and the characterization of the MONA Engineering Development Unit (EDU) where the MEMS accelerometer is integrated with the optical detector. The MONA EDU is a critical laboratory experiment unit to demonstrate the physical principles and concept feasibility to achieve the required IMU improvements."
Advanced Radiation Hardened ADC (ARH-ADC),N68335-14-C-0115,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79878.00,Applied Technology Associates,1300 Britt SE,,Albuquerque,NM,-,No,No,No,Tom Edmondson,"Director, Contracts&Prg",(505) 767-1214,tom.edmondson@atacorp.com,David McIntire,Principal Investigator,(505) 767-1251,david.mcintire@atacorp.com,Pipelined radiation hardened analog-to-digital converters (ADC) typically provide 12-14 bit resolution conversion at>20 MSPS and have inherent multi-clock cycle latency. These converters use multiple sub-ranging stages and error correction circuitry and the high parts count results in large silicon footprints. ATA proposes designing an Advanced Radiation Hardened ADC (ARH-ADC) by implementing the innovative Residual Bit Extraction (RBE) architecture on a Rad-Hard by Design (RHBD) Via Configurable Array (VCA) Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Our proposed architecture will provide 16 bit resolution at>25 MSPS with single clock cycle conversion and low parts count resulting in reduced silicon footprint. The targeted ASIC technology will provide a radiation-hardened by design part and the VCA ASIC development and fabrication costs are much lower than traditional ASIC costs. This approach will allow ATA to complete the design and simulation during the Phase I effort and prototype fabrication and test during the Phase II effort. Leveraging our existing RBE board level design further reduces development time and risk on this proposed Phase I effort.
Nano-Optomechanical Massive MEMS Accelerometer (NOMMA),W911NF-14-C-0114,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,999926.00,Applied Technology Associates,1300 Britt SE,,Albuquerque,NM,-,No,No,No,Tom Edmondson,"Director, Contracts&Prg Control",(505) 767-1214,tom.edmondson@atacorp.com,Matt Eichenfield,Harry S. Truman Fellow,(505) 844-8862,matt.eichenfield@sandia.gov,The primary objective of the Nano-Optomechanical Massive MEMS Accelerometer (NOMMA) project is to develop a chip-integrated optomechanical Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometer with 100 ng/Hz1/2 sensitivity and 10 kHz bandwidth using high
Near-Field Velocity Measurement System for Wind Tunnel Testing,FA9101-14-C-0007,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,425000.00,Applied University Research,605 Preston Ave.,,Blacksburg,VA,24060-4618,No,No,No,Roger L. Simpson,President,(540) 961-3005,rogersimpson@aurinc.com,Roger L. Simpson,President,(540) 961-3005,rogersimpson@aurinc.com,"ABSTRACT: Significant advances to subminiature three-velocity component laser-Doppler velocimetry (SM3LDV) technologies developed through the AEDC SBIR program will be implemented using technologies and resources from several groups. The transition activities address five needs. A new more compact optical probe for 16T will be enabled by leveraging coherent laser behavior to obtain three-velocity component measurements with excellent spatial resolution through a single transceiver lens design. Second, to avoid the long fiber optics cables required for the SM3LDV for use in the 16T wind tunnel exhibit non-linear phenomena that significantly degrade probe performance, an environment chamber will be constructed to house the photonics cart within the pressure vessel of 16T and reduce test times in the 16T when using the SM3LDV. Third, the AUR Studio software, largely developed through AEDC SBIR funding, will be upgraded for more ease of post-processing, saving the customer significant labor time for preparation of final test results. To address other needs of the US Air Force, a novel compact probe and linear/rotary traverse system will be developed under this effort for low speed wind tunnel applications at AFRL at WPAFB. Finally, the photodetector package will be improved for immunity to radio frequency interference and for response beyond 500MHz. BENEFIT: The SM3LDV implemented into the PWT 16T wind tunnel is a new capability not available at any other facility at the Reynolds number and Mach number conditions achievable. The improvements proposed would greatly improve the reliability of the current technology as well as reducing costs by reducing the amount of time required to analyze test data."
Code Ray: Software Assurance Risk Management Framework for Hybrid Analysis Mapping,D14PC00060,DHS,DHS,SBIR,2014,2,965865.73,"Applied Visions, Inc.",6 Bayview Avenue,,Northport,NY,11768-1502,No,No,No,Kelly Bennett,Controller,(631) 759-3920,kelly.bennett@avi.com,Kenneth Prole,Principal Investigator,(631) 759-3907,ken.prole@securedecisions.com,"Secure Decisions is developing a software assurance risk management technology called ""Code Ray"" to: (1) Improve the speed, accuracy and confidence in detection of vulnerabilities by cross-mapping and normalizing the output of hybrid application security testing (HAST) techniques -- dynamic analysis, dynamic tracing, static analysis and contextual analysis. (2) Enhance prioritization and mitigation of vulnerabilities by providing both the run-time context for those vulnerabilities and their mapping to industry and regulatory security standards. (3) Improve the rapid comprehension and assessment of risks associated with vulnerabilities by delivering results in a risk management framework with risk metrics, dashboard, visual analytics, and reporting. (4) Support the education of programmers and security analysts in HAST. We start Phase II with a working TRL4 prototype completed at the end of Phase I. We will iteratively develop and deliver three progressively more-mature versions of Code Ray to the Software Assurance Marketplace (SWAMP), reaching TRL8 by Month 24. We will incrementally add functionality from each of the iterations to the existing Code Dx product, and integrate HAST capabilities in a Security Information Event Management (SIEM). We will also deliver an educational version of Code Ray to assist in teaching secure coding practices. During the proposed 18-month Phase II Option, commencing in Month 25, we will subject Code Ray to full-scale operational use in the SWAMP and in several DHS operational deployments. We will use feedback from the SWAMP users, educators, and operational sites to reach TRL9 within the Phase II Option period."
Software Assurance Analysis and Visual Analytics- CRPP,D14PC00222,DHS,DHS,SBIR,2014,2,199999.39,"Applied Visions, Inc.",6 Bayview Avenue,,Northport,NY,11768-1502,No,No,No,Kelly A. Bennett,Controller,(631) 759-3920,Kelly.Bennett@avi.com,Ken Prole,,(631) 759-3907,Ken.Prole@securedecisions.com,"Under our Phase II SBIR we developed a compelling new technology for software assurance called Code Dx. We used initial feedback from government
agencies and industry experts, collected during beta testing and Version 1.0 evaluations, to produce Version 1.1 which is technically mature and ready
for trial evaluations and sale. However, the path to commercial success requires more than technical capabilities. It requires execution of a
commercialization plan; staffing and infrastructure to sustain marketing, sales and support; and the financing to support both. In this proposal we
outline eight strategic commercialization objectives and a commercialization roadmap that identifies specific tactics and activities that must be
completed to achieve those objectives. We further identify a subset of those activities that we seek to fund through the DHS Commercialization
Readiness Pilot Program (CRPP), with the remaining activities to be funded with internal and potential venture investment. The proposed Statement of
Work (SOW) represents the specific commercialization activities that the CRPP funds would support. The SOW includes activities related to creating
awareness of and demand for Code Dx: developing a set of reference users; promoting Code Dx within the Application Security Testing (AST)
community and raising awareness among those not engaged in AST due to cost or difficulty in use; outreach to security training organizations; filling in
small competitive gaps such as IDE plug-ins; and establishing partnerships to accelerate marketing and sales."
Novel Structured Metal Bipolar Plates for Low Cost Manufacturing,DE-SC0009215,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,2,991777.00,"TreadStone Technologies, Inc.",201 Washington Road,,Princeton,NJ,08540-6449,No,No,No,Gerald DeCuollo,Mr.,,gdecuollo@TreadStone-Technologies.com,Conghua Wang,Dr.,6097343071,cwang@TreadStone-Technologies.com,"The Department of Energy, working with industry groups has revised the technical, performance and cost targets to enhance the commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) for transportation applications. The focus of this SBIR Phase II project is to demonstrate the success achieved by TreadStone in Phase I by demonstrating the technology in test apparatus supported by US automobile companies, meeting the revised technical and performance requirements. TreadStone will also optimize the processing techniques thereby demonstrating that its technology advancements can meet the low cost targets. The feasibility of the technology has been demonstrated in the Phase I project. Ex-situ corrosion test data indicates that stainless steel plates with novel TreadStones nano-structured corrosion resistant and electrical conductive coating can meet the revised technical and performance targets. The in-situ long term durability was also demonstrated in a single cell performance test. This project goes beyond TreadStones current low cost metal plate technology that uses a very small amount of gold for PEMFC transportation applications. It will develop a gold-free metal plate coating technology meeting the revised industry requirements including: i. gold free coating; ii. lower electrical contact resistance ( & lt; 5 m.cm), and iii. roll to roll coating on stainless steel foil strips, before stamping. TreadStone plans to optimize the composition of the coating materials, develop the larger scale fabrication technology and demonstrate the technology in full size, automotive short stack with our team partner Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, University of Hawaii. Industry support will be provided by Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Impreglon, Inc. The proposed project is built on three pillars: 1) unique, and proven technical solutions, 2) a team that consists of industrial leaders in fuel cell stack application, design, and manufactures; 3) a low-risk, significant milestone driven work plan to ensure the on-time, on-schedule delivery of the project. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The implementation of this project will reduce the fuel cell stack metal bipolar separator plate cost which accounts 15-21% of the overall stack cost. The proposed technology will reduce the cost risk associated with the fluctuating gold price of current metal plate technologies. The roll to roll processing capability will reduce the capital investment for the corrosion resistant plate fabrication. In combination, all of these improved plate attributes will help the market penetration of current early stage of fuel cell commercialization."
ACLAMATE: Automated Cognitive Load Assessment for Medical StAff Training and Evaluation,W81XWH-14-C-0021,DOD,DHP,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,"Aptima, Inc.",12 Gill Street,Suite 1400,Woburn,MA,-,No,No,No,Thomas J. McKenna,Chief Financial Officer,(781) 486-2443,mckenna@aptima.com,Jeffrey Beaubien,Industrial-Organizational Psycholog,(781) 496-2480,jbeaubien@aptima.com,"Although great strides have been made in the development of simulators for training technical and teamwork skills, much less progress has been made with regard to skill assessment. Typically, performance is measured using a rating scale with anchors ranging from""low""to""high.""Such methods are too coarse to provide an accurate assessment of individual or team performance. What is needed are unobtrusive, real-time measures of individual and team states, such as cognitive load (CL). By automatically alerting the instructor to changes in CL vis--vis a historical benchmark, the instructor can modify the training scenario on-the-fly, thereby ensuring that the learners stay within the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) at all times. With this in mind, Aptima proposes to design, develop, and commercialize a fully-functional data collection, assessment, and alerting tool (ACLAMATE) that will allow instructors to dynamically modify simulation-based training scenarios. The ACLAMATE alerts will be fed by data from portable EEGs and sociometric""badges.""When ACLAMATE determines that the learners are outside of the ZPD, the instructor will automatically receive an alert on the handheld performance assessment too"
CERTAIN: Certainty Enrichment via Relational and Temporal Analytical Indexing of Networks,W911NF-14-C-0023,DOD,DARPA,SBIR,2014,2,999997.00,"Aptima, Inc.",12 Gill Street,Suite 1400,Woburn,MA,-,No,No,No,Thomas J. McKenna,Chief Financial Officer,(781) 935-3966,mckenna@aptima.com,Georgiy Levchuk,Principal Engineer,(781) 935-3966,georgiy@aptima.com,"Efficient and accurate indexing is fundamental to the Big Data enterprise, but traditional indexing techniques are often foiled by noise and missing information. Aptima proposes Phase II of CERTAIN (Certainty Enrichment via Relational and Temporal Analyti"
SONIC Sensor Operations via Naturalistic Interactive Control,FA8650-14-C-6537,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,2,1000000.00,"Aptima, Inc.",12 Gill Street,Suite 1400,Woburn,MA,-,No,No,No,Thomas J. McKenna,Chief Financial Officer,(781) 496-2443,mckenna@aptima.com,Stacy Pfautz,Senior Research Engineer,(781) 496-2430,spfautz@aptima.com,"As analysts and operators move from data to insights, tools are needed for supervisory control, command and control, and intelligence analysis. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) requires the ability to navigate and interpret mounds of data to produce actionable decisions. Through the Urban Telepresence program, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is redefining a concept of operations for ISR operations by enabling remote, virtual operators to interact with operational environments without being physically present. However, redesigning this workflow requires advancements to human-machine interfaces. To support this need, the Aptima team is developing the Sensor Operations via Naturalistic Interactive Control (SONIC) platform. SONIC is a multimodal user interaction framework optimized for use within highly immersive and data-rich environments to provide an intuitive, naturalistic way for users to interact and collaborate with distributed sensors, unmanned systems, and teammates in the operational environment. SONIC integrates an immersive multimodal workstation with a context-driven interaction service, and is built on top of scientifically-grounded human-machine interface guidelines for hybrid reality environments. Ultimately, the objective of SONIC is to enable analysts and operators to provide mission support in real-time from remote locations more effectively, without an increase in workload or a decrease in performance."
AWAKE: Adaptive Workspace for Analyst Knowledge&Engagement,FA8750-14-C-0124,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,2,993119.00,"Aptima, Inc.",12 Gill Street,Suite 1400,Woburn,MA,-,No,No,No,Thomas J. McKenna,Chief Financial Officer,(781) 496-2443,mckenna@aptima.com,Stacy Pfautz,Senior Research Engineer,(781) 496-2430,spfautz@aptima.com,"There is an increasing need for fast and accurate analysis of large volumes of disparate data containing critical information. Existing tools for information search, retrieval, and exploitation are inadequate because the tools have limited ability to (1) help the analyst understand the semantics within the information, (2) reveal the relationships between the information and the analytic task, or (3) demonstrate the best ways to fuse the information into an assessment. Cognitive biases that result from limitations inherent in human cognitive processes subconsciously influence intelligence analysis, and current tools provide little or no help to prevent these biases from influencing results. Aptima and our partners propose to further develop an Adaptive Workspace for Analyst Knowledge and Engagement (AWAKE) capability. AWAKE will provide the next generation of cognitive, knowledge-aided analyst support systems to promote a more effective human-machine partnership, enabling analysts to focus on what they uniquely do best as humans, while the autonomous system looks over their shoulder to provide them cognitive aid. AWAKE provides a capability for measuring the analyst""s level of rigor; automatically identifying indicators of cognitive biases and vulnerabilities, based on a semantic interpretation of the user""s interactions with the system; and personalized agents to support analyst activities."
Sense-making via Collaborative Agents and Activity Networks (SCAAN),FA8750-14-C-0137,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,2,990827.00,"Aptima, Inc.",12 Gill Street,Suite 1400,Woburn,MA,-,No,No,No,Thomas J. McKenna,Chief Financial Officer,(781) 496-2443,mckenna@aptima.com,Georgiy Levchuk,Distinguished Research En,(781) 496-2467,georgiy@aptima.com,"The volume of data collected by Air Force ISR has exceeded the capacities of traditional analysis methods. New enhancements to the Air Force""s PCPAD intelligence cycle are, thus, critical to providing the analyst with the ability to strategically process, exploit and analyze the most critical information. Aptima""s SCAAN system seeks to enhance PCPAD by distributing data exploitation and analysis tasks across a network of semi-autonomous agents (i.e., processing software resources) efficiently managed by a command, control, and communication (C3) software organization. SCAAN ensures robustness of distributed data analysis by balancing agent workload and building resilience to failures. SCAAN supports accuracy and optimality of large-scale data analysis by efficiently partitioning a global search problem into distributed interdependent tasks across multiple agents. SCAAN also provides agents with autonomy for learning patterns in a distributed fashion, and reduces the time of analysis by implementing algorithms that minimize processing of irrelevant data and communication requirements. Additionally, SCAAN operates in a hybrid infrastructure, leveraging service-oriented and cloud-enabled frameworks to support processing of large-scale data in accessible and denied environments. In summary, SCAAN is a processing, exploitation and analysis tool to assist analysts in efficiently and accurately extracting critical information from large-scale, distributed, multi-modal, multi-source data."
HASTE: Human and Autonomous Systems Team Evaluation,W911QX-14-C-0067,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,"Aptima, Inc.",12 Gill Street,Suite 1400,Woburn,MA,-,No,No,No,Thomas J. McKenna,Chief Financial Officer,(781) 935-9366,mckenna@aptima.com,Danielle Dumond,Research Engineer,(781) 935-3966,ddumond@aptima.com,"As mixed human/agent/robot teams become more prevalent throughout civilian and defense applications, proper testing and evaluation of team performance becomes increasingly essential. Several challenges remain to understanding how to evaluate such teams. To address these problems, Aptima and our partners propose to design and develop HASTE (Human and Autonomous Systems Team Evaluation) an innovative approach for measuring and evaluating mixed human/agent/robot teams. HASTE addresses the key problems with current evaluation methodologies by supporting team interdependence, evaluating teams based on both task performance and team processes, and generalizing across domains, platforms, and team compositions. Phase I work will include the development of a prototype tool for testing and evaluation that will: (1) analyze performance of a given human/agent/robot team for a specific task; (2) suggest the best team composition for that specific task; and (3) recommend refinements to the ways team members collaborate."
Training Requirements: An Empirical and Computational Analysis for MAGIC CARPET (TRECA-MC),N68335-14-C-0369,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,674987.00,"Aptima, Inc.",12 Gill Street,Suite 1400,Woburn,MA,-,No,No,No,Thomas McKenna,Chief Financial Officer,(781) 496-2443,mckenna@aptima.com,Webb Stacy,Distinguished Research En,(781) 496-2437,wstacy@aptima.com,"This proposal describes a series of inter-related subprojects aimed at developing an empirical understanding of the MAGIC CARPET system, including its training requirements, effectiveness, and safety. An important overall objective is to estimate cost, throughput, and readiness considerations compared to conventional landing technology. To accomplish this, the work, including work in future studies, is organized according to Kirkpatrick""s four levels of learning evaluation. To address levels 1 and 2, we will design and execute a formal experiment aimed at developing an empirical understanding of the training and performance requirements of MAGIC CARPET as compared with conventional landing technology. We will address Level 3 by developing and planning the validation for a model for predicting the effects of different schedules of initial and refresher training, and by planning a transfer-of-training study that involves both live and simulated carrier landings. The level 4 investigation will be undertaken in future studies that will create a model of the organizational training pipeline for MAGIC CARPET."
"DREAM: Detecting Relations, Entities, and Attributes Misinformation",FA8750-14-C-0212,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,743604.00,"Aptima, Inc.",12 Gill Street,Suite 1400,Woburn,MA,-,No,No,No,Thomas McKenna,Chief Financial Officer,(781) 496-2443,mckenna@aptima.com,Georgiy Levchuk,Scientist,(781) 496-2467,georgiy@aptima.com,"ABSTRACT: Information fusion and knowledge conflict detection are required for many mission-critical intelligence analysis tasks. Using knowledge extracted from various sources, including entities, relations, and events, intelligence analysts identify relevant documents, integrate facts into summaries about current situation, and augment existing knowledge with inferred information. To deal with large amount of data, analysts require automated solutions to link events, entities and related knowledge across multiple sources. Aptima proposes to develop a system for Detecting Relation, Entity, and Attribute Misinformation (DREAM) to support processing of data with redundant, erroneous, and deceptive information. Our solution utilizes information extracted from text to find normal, conflicting and erroneous knowledge. When fully developed, DREAM will provide intelligence analysts with a powerful analysis tool that (1) automatically constructs knowledge graphs from raw text input; (2) finds conflicting knowledge fragments; (3) learns normally occurring knowledge; and (4) helps analysts understand the source of the conflicts in the data. BENEFIT: DREAM will allow intelligence analysts and commercial users to reduce the uncertainty in their knowledge bases and detect conflicting and anomalous patterns across multiple documents. For DoD applications, DREAM will support new PCPAD workflow by focusing the analysts on most critical data to reduce the analysis time and increase detection of hostile activities. For commercial applications, DREAM will enable faster and more accurate detection of deception in social media, online fraud, and social engineering activities."
GUARD: General Utility for Assessing Risk of Disclosure,FA8750-14-C-0051,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,150000.00,"Aptima, Inc.",12 Gill Street,Suite 1400,Woburn,MA,-,No,No,No,Thomas J. McKenna,Chief Financial Officer,(781) 496-2443,mckenna@aptima.com,Brian Riordan,Research Engineer,(937) 490-8003,briordan@aptima.com,"ABSTRACT: Information is a national asset that must be protected. To make effective use of this asset, information sharing is critical between government agencies, with foreign government partners, and with the private sector. At the same time, in practice, balancing information sharing and information protection can be difficult. Tools are needed to address many challenges, including managing multiple, diverse criteria for sensitivity, assessing the sensitivity of information in context, and efficiently processing big data. GUARD (General Utility for Assessing Risk of Disclosure) is an integrated package of components that automatically assess disclosure risk. It combines a state-of-the-art probabilistic framework for risk assessment with advanced capabilities for unstructured information processing that leverage both document content and contextual and background information. GUARD""s disclosure risk assessment capability will facilitate the core tasks in information sharing, including classifying the sensitivity of information objects and deciding whether to share that information. BENEFIT: GUARD is designed to address the greatest challenges in information sharing. GUARD""s principal benefit is in enhancing human understanding of the complex information landscape, informing human judgment in sharing and safeguarding decisions. GUARD facilitates the rapid adjudication of documents at a large scale, reducing the need for manual review. GUARD reasons over the available data and over the knowledge of adversaries, tying together information beyond the capacity of human judges. It adapts notions of sensitivity for different domains, making it easily applicable to many information scenarios. GUARD""s flexible disclosure framework broadly applies to informing sharing in many applications, including enterprise data management and health record technology."
Phase Change Thermal Buffers for Environmental Control Unit Efficiency Improvement,W911QX-14-C-0015,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,1,149921.00,Aqwest,8276 Eagle Road,,Larkspur,CO,80118-8224,No,No,No,Katerina Vetrovec,VP Business,(303) 681-0456,kvetrovec@aqwest.com,John Vetrovec,Principal Investigator,(303) 681-0456,jvetrovec@aqwest.com,"Aqwest LLC proposes to develop a phase change material (PCM)-based thermal energy storage (TES) to enable""rightsizing""of environmental control units (ECU) and improve overall efficiency through reduced peak loads, more stabilized ECU operation, and off-peak thermal energy storage. The Aqwest TES has a very simple construction and mode of operation while offering major savings in energy consumption. The Aqwest innovative TES concepts for ECU allow for effective thermal coupling between the ECU and the PCM, which translates to>10% in energy use savings. In particular, our innovative PCM packaging and heat spreading concepts we earlier developed for the DOD overcome the low thermal conductivity of PCM materials, thus enabling compact packaging."
Advanced Laser Driver for Inertial Fusion Energy,DE-SC0011916,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149965.64,Aqwest,8276 Eagle Road,,Larkspur,CO,80118-8224,No,No,No,John Vetrovec,Mr.,3036810456,jvetrovec@aqwest.com,John Vetrovec,Mr.,,jvetrovec@aqwest.com,"IFE offers to tap almost unlimited sources of inexpensive energy. This new energy source would free the U.S. from the dependence on hydrocarbon fuels, the use of which produces green-house gases (GHG). The proposed EPDL laser driver would greatly advance the ICF maturity and its transition to commercial IFE for generation of electricity. Availability of low-cost and non-polluting electric power would revolutionize transportation and manufacturing sectors, thus boosting the overall economy. Reduced dependence on hydrocarbon fuels would also reduce to size overstated importance of hydrocarbon-producing countries, thus, improving geopolitical balance. The proposed technology also offers to advance laser acceleration of nuclear particles, thus replacing the traditional mammoth-size and costly accelerator research facilities with room-size devices. Compactness and relative simplicity of laser accelerators promises to greatly reduce the cost and timelines of high-energy research, and advance new scientific discoveries. As particle research could become affordable for universities or even commercial laboratories, the U.S. would be able to maintain leadership. Since 2008, Aqwest has been developing an innovative laser technology known as edge pumped disk laser (EPDL) for the US Army ultra-short pulse laser weapons. The proposed project will adapt the EPDL technology to laser acceleration, thus leveraging prior and current US Army investment. In Phase I, we will conduct engineering design, analysis, and fabricate an innovative composite laser crystal. In Phase II, we will construct and test an amplifier section of the drive laser for acceleration. EPDL also has major commercial applications ranging from laser material processing (cutting and welding), lidar, and lasercom for satellite communication. In particular, EPDL offers to displace and make obsolete the German thin disk laser, which has been the dominant technology for lasers in the kilowatt range for the last 10 years. The proposed project would greatly advance the realization of the inertial confinement fusion and its transition to commercial inertial fusion energy by using Aqwets innovative EPDL while leveraging prior and present Department of Defense investment."
Triaxial Accelerometer with Low Offset and Noise (TALON),FA8651-14-M-0151,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149992.00,"Archangel Systems, Inc.",1635 Pumphrey Ave.,,Auburn,AL,36832-4302,Yes,No,No,Katherine Greene,President,(334) 826-8008,kitty@archangel.com,Bradford Hill,Engineer II,(334) 826-8008,brad@archangel.com,"Archangel Systems, Inc. proposes a feasibility study coined Triaxial Accelerometer with Low Offset and Noise (TALON) to meet the accelerometer needs for DoD""s next-generation IMUs in agile missile programs. DoD targets for IMU size, weight and power (SWAP) budgets are aggressive. To meet these requirements, TALON leverages prior Archangel work for DARPA""s NGIMG project. Specifically, the MEMS and support electronics from that project are the baseline TALON system. In TALON, Archangel will implement a novel noise reduction strategy we have coined Quadrature Phase Locking (QPL). QPL is a feedback loop that will isolate and eliminate the majority of electrically-generated noise in the current hardware. Based on experiments to date, a 10X enhancement is anticipated. With respect to the NGMARS baseline, QPL requires a new digital controller (implemented in the incumbent FPGA) and a slight hardware modification. In addition to noise reduction, QPL will also eliminate the most egregious thermal sensitivity issues. This will greatly simplify the thermal calibration procedures in production and harden TALON against the high thermal rates seen in missile launches. Technology transition and supply strategies are also examined. A roster of candidate MEMS foundries exists with down-select in Phase 2. The final electronics will be COTS to avoid the costs and delays associated with ASIC design cycles. A COTS approach also aligns with standard contract manufacturer approaches for PCB production, test and Bill of Material management."
"Continuous Estimation of CG, Inertial and Loading",M67854-14-C-6529,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79964.00,"Archangel Systems, Inc.",1635 Pumphrey Ave.,,Auburn,AL,36832-4302,Yes,No,No,Katherine Greene,President,(334) 826-8008,kitty@archangel.com,Nesha Burch,Engineer II,(334) 826-8008,nesha@archangel.com,"Archangel Systems, Inc. proposes a feasibility study of a technical and forward-thinking solution for optimized vehicle loading: the Continuous Estimation of CG, Inertial and Loading CECIL). The investigation considers the needed caliber and optimum distribution of inertial and load sensors and the quantifying modal analysis algorithm options for continuous monitoring of CG and load. Inertial sensor(s) with and without the addition of load sensors are simulated using a full vehicle model to monitor vehicle weight and dynamics both during the loading process and during operation. Simulated measurements and algorithms extracts total load, load distribution, CG in three dimensions, and how all three change throughout the mission. Algorithms use Fast Fourier Transform to detect modal signature changes in vehicle""s dynamics in real time which are mapped to CG shifts and weight changes. This investigation compares optimized conventional methods of load sensors for weight estimation to the proposed inertial method to show a full picture of feasibility. Furthermore, algorithms project the vehicle dynamics forward in time and input the future vehicle state to a 3-D model for the vehicle""s stability along with the CG and loading measures. The model computes future rollover risk and alerts the crew before rollover is imminent."
Self Powered Biosensors,W81XWH-13-C-0046,DOD,DHP,SBIR,2014,2,983613.00,"Archinoetics, LLC",2800 Woodlawn Drive,Suite 297,Honolulu,HI,96822-,Yes,No,No,Joe Cooper,CFO,(808) 741-1684,joe@archinoetics.com,J. H. Downs,CEO,(808) 221-2131,hunter@archinoetics.com,"Within the military, the proliferation of batteries required by the dismounted warfighter continues to be troublesome, both from the standpoint of weight and the need for replacement. Energy-harvesting technologies, which collect energy from naturally occurring motions, offer the possibility of reducing this concern. At the same time, the military has long sought the ability to continuously collect vital and other physiologic measures from operational warfighters. In the proposed project, we will build on the work undertaken in the Phase I effort and produce a commercially viable garment that requires no recharging or battery replacement that is capable of monitoring a subjects vital signs, activity (level and context) and amount of sleep. The platform will be designed to be highly configurable allowing it to be modified for various markets without redesign, yet robust and comfortable for long time wear. The technology being developed in this project has already received significant interest from military and commercial entities. We have requests for military, and commercial parties to trial the end product and we have a possible licensing deal with an external company for several of the core technologies being developed. In the proposal we identify strategies to address the commercial markets."
Cloud-Based Efficient Data Analysis and Reduction (CEDAR),FA8650-14-M-1764,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149998.00,Architecture Technology Corporation,9971 Valley View Road,,Eden Prairie,MN,55344-3526,No,No,No,Kenneth J. Thurber,President,(952) 829-5864,kthurber@atcorp.com,Tim E. Hartley,R&D Engineer,(952) 829-5864,thartley@atcorp.com,"Architecture Technology Corporation (ATCorp) proposes the Cloud-based Efficient Data Analysis and Reduction (CEDAR) system, a novel hardware and software solution to efficiently increase and manage shared compute resources located within an autonomous vehicle to run mission-specific software that analyzes, combines, and filters sensor data in real-time or near real-time according to changing needs over the course of a mission, autonomously or under the control of mission commanders. CEDAR allows a mix of networked low power and medium power compute platforms with varying capabilities including but not limited to GPU support, parallel compute, and FPGA programmable capabilities to be dynamically provisioned among multiple software programs in isolated security enclaves to address competing sensor data analysis needs. It does this while providing fast, direct communication of sensor data, usually without the need for cross-domain guards, and without compromising security enclaves. The compute mix can be upgraded or modified as analysis algorithm needs changes or as available compute platforms advance."
Dynamic Airborne Mission Communication System (DYNAMICS),FA8750-14-C-0162,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149994.00,Architecture Technology Corporation,9971 Valley View Road,,Eden Prairie,MN,55344-3526,No,No,No,Kenneth J. Thurber,President,(952) 829-5864,kthurber@atcorp.com,Barry A. Trent,Sr. R&D Engineer,(952) 829-5864,Barry.Trent@atcorp.com,"ABSTRACT: Current Air Force mission planning systems require that users manually enter flight paths. For the emerging class of airborne communications platforms this is sub-optimal. The mission of these platforms is to extend communications ranges and enable enhanced (particularly IP-based) connectivity for other mission elements. This calls for a new type of planning system. Rather than having end-users enter courses, courses can be planned automatically based on where ground- and air-based mission elements are positioned. This information, along with relative priorities and specifics about radios allows for more effective planning of courses and placement in airspace of airborne relays. Such a system can even go beyond mission pre-planning and react to changing conditions in the battlespace (movement, intervening terrain, etc.) to dynamically reposition airborne relays over time for optimal operation. Architecture Technology Corporation (ATCorp) proposes DYNAMICS, an innovative framework providing mission-aware pre-planning and in-mission control of airborne relays. DYNAMICS is a software system operating stand-alone or integrated with existing mission planning systems. DYNAMICS provides: 1)""Inverse""course pre-planning based on positions and communication capabilities of mission elements; 2) Continuous re-planning during the mission; 3) Prioritization of mission communication/connectivity requirements; and 4) Fully automatic or human-assisted operating modes. BENEFIT: The system will provide enhanced mission-aware operation of IP and legacy communication systems. Optimization of in-mission communications based on position of airborne communication relays. Commercial application is as a module for integration into existing DoD mission planning systems, such as JMPS, or as a system for stand-alone use. Non-DoD applications include planning and managing first-responder networks, cellular and municipal wireless networks, and special-purpose networks for large-scale events such as the Olympics or the Super Bowl."
Mission-Based Agile Network Traffic Reprioritization (MANTRA) System for Crypto-Partitioned Tactical Environments,FA8750-14-C-0181,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149910.00,Architecture Technology Corporation,9971 Valley View Road,,Eden Prairie,MN,55344-3526,No,No,No,Kenneth J. Thurber,President,(952) 829-5864,kthurber@atcorp.com,Deborah K. Charan,R&D Engineer,(952) 829-5864,dcharan@atcorp.com,"ABSTRACT: IP-based tactical networks which are being deployed increasingly must possess the capability to gracefully shed mission functions in accordance with the intent of the commander when network congestion occurs. Such congestion events are expected to be prevalent in tactical wireless networks because of two major factors: (1) the increasing use of bandwidth-hungry applications, such as full-motion video (FMV); and (2) dynamic changes in the capacity of wireless links, caused by node movement and environmental factors, which could dramatically shrink the available capacity of a link to a small fraction of its advertised maximum. Prioritization of IP packet flows associated with mission applications (e.g., VoIP, FMV, fire control, chat, web), in accordance with the commander""s current mission priorities, will enable the network to preempt or discard packet flows with lower priorities to preserve unimpeded operation of high-priority mission-critical applications under network congestion events. Since mission priorities may change over time, dynamic or on-the-fly reprioritization of IP packet flows is imperative for tactical IP networks. To address this technical challenge and to meet the need identified by the Air Force, Architecture Technology Corporation (ATCorp) proposes an innovative software-based network management solution called the Mission-Based Agile Network Traffic Reprioritization (MANTRA) system. BENEFIT: The results of this SBIR effort will produce a MANTRA software product that can be integrated within tactical IP networks to enable mission-oriented network command and control. DoD programs and initiatives that will benefit from the dynamic network traffic prioritization capability provided by MANTRA include the Joint Aerial Layer Network (JALN), Tactical Edge Networking C2, Joint Tactical Edge Networking (JTEN), WIN-T, and ADNS."
Smart Mission Planning Wizard: A Rethink Toward Automation,N68335-14-C-0265,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79378.00,Architecture Technology Corporation,9971 Valley View Road,,Eden Prairie,MN,55344-3526,No,No,No,Kenneth Thurber,President,(952) 829-5864,kthurber@atcorp.com,Ryan Marotz,R&D Engineer,(952) 829-5864,rmarotz@atcorp.com,"Mission planning is a labor and time intensive process. The complexity of the tasks and the amount of work involved require considerable training and proficiency. Such challenges represent a hurdle to mission planners especially when only minor last minute changes need to be made to a mission plan. Usually an extensive amount of work needs to be redone to account for the minor changes. The complexity and difficulty of mission planning can be attributed largely to the following factors: 1) Heavily manual and repetitive tasks, 2) lack of software intelligence that is able to capture the essence of a mission plan and connect the dots together, 3) complex user interfaces, and 4) lack of visualization tools that help mission planners better understand the different stages of a mission plan. Architecture Technology Corporation proposes an innovative solution: a simplified mission planning wizard called SMART (Smart Mission planning wizard: A Rethink Toward automation). SMART is a mission-development and management system that facilitates mission planning through automation, real time feedback, and visualization. SMART assists its users in building and validating mission plans quickly and efficiently."
MoMiP (Mobile Mission Planning),N68335-14-C-0399,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79917.00,Architecture Technology Corporation,9971 Valley View Road,,Eden Prairie,MN,55344-3526,No,No,No,Kenneth Thurber,President,(952) 829-5864,kthurber@atcorp.com,Ryan Marotz,Sr. R&D Engineer,(952) 829-5864,rmarotz@atcorp.com,"Mission planning is an error prone and labor intensive process requiring similar data to be entered multiple times through various JMPS UPCs. The Navy is requesting a software solution to expedite and unify the operational mission planning process. Architecture Technology Corp (ATCorp) proposes MoMiP (Mobile Mission Planning) to incorporate mobile hardware platforms (Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, etc.) running multiple operating systems (IOS, Android, Windows) into the mission planning process to facilitate information sharing and expedite mission planning. MoMiP will enable mission planners to enter mission planning requirements and receive ongoing mission planning updates. Using MoMiP, mission planners will be able to request information (weather, weapons inventory, adversary deployments, etc.) directly from other mission planners. In addition, information entered into MoMiP is available to all JMPS UPC systems (F/A-18, E-2, etc.). MoMiP will result in faster mission planning process while eliminating errors causes through redundant manual data entry. ATCorp will design and build MoMiP with emphasis on data security and display accuracy."
Monolithic Line-of-Sight Stabilized (MLOSS) Laser,FA8651-14-M-0142,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149998.00,Arete Associates,1550 Crystal Drive,Suite 703,Arlington,VA,-,No,No,No,David Kane,Executive Vice President,(520) 770-6099,contracts@arete.com,Andrew Paul,Principal Scientist,(520) 770-6061,apaul@arete.com,"Laser designation and marking is critical in today's high precision combat environment. Performance is limited by how well the soldier can hold the laser beam onto the target. Current fielded laser designator systems minimize beam pointing error by employing a heavy'stabilized'mount. Having to carry a current fielded stabilized laser system with the heavy tripod impairs the combat effectiveness of the soldier. A smaller, lighter laser designator system such as the Line of Sight-Short (LOS-S) will enhance the soldier""s mobility and reduce his fatigue. A miniature, lightweight laser beam stabilizer component is required for the LOS-S to maintain the required volume and weight of the laser designator/marker. To address this problem Arete Associates proposes a Monolithic LOS Stabilized (MLOSS) laser designator/marker system based on innovative laser beam steering technology that leverages existing Arete program activities in the area of LOS stabilization and laser development."
Dual Mode Seeker/Sensor -LADAR/RF,FA8651-14-M-0154,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149924.00,Arete Associates,1550 Crystal Drive,Suite 703,Arlington,VA,-,No,No,No,Dave Kane,EVP,(520) 770-6099,contracts2@arete.com,Greg Fetzer,Director,(303) 651-6756,gfetzer@arete.com,"Dual mode seekers can increase lethality, particularly in GPS denied environments or in situations where precision targeting is required, for example in areas where collateral damage must be minimized. The objective of this proposal is to provide a dual mode sensor that provides the greatest utility to the government in understanding the unique opportunities and tradeoffs of an operational capability. Arete proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of unique aspects of dual mode operation. Utilizing data from collocated ladar and radar sensors Arete and its teammate Colorado Engineering Inc. will demonstrate signal and image processing based approaches to navigation and targeting using a dual mode sensor. Processing to extract targets from camouflage and concealment will also be demonstrated. The team will produce an extensible sensor design, to be produced in Phase II which can then serve as an operable technology test and demonstration platform."
Sensing and Control Technology to Assist in Vehicle Launch and Recovery,N00014-14-P-1175,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79968.00,Arete Associates,1550 Crystal Drive,Suite 703,Arlington,VA,-,No,No,No,David Kane,Executive Vice President,(520) 770-6099,contracts@arete.com,Lonnie Calmes,"Senior Manager, Engineeri",(520) 770-6066,lcalmes@arete.com,"Arete Associates proposes an end-to-end solution to the challenge of at-sea launch and recovery of manned and unmanned vessels that incorporates the future state of the vessel into a robust crane control loop. By fielding an ocean penetrating, eye-safe LIDAR system on the recovery ship, the state of the vessel and the spectrum of the ocean waves in a field of regard around the vessel will be measured simultaneously at high resolution and frequency. Using the measured ocean-wave spectrum, the future position of the vessel will be predicted. Both the measured state and the predicted future state of the vessel will be incorporated into a crane control loop, that also comprehends the ship state and crane state, to both update the positioning of the crane and potentially send updates to the vessel. Since the future state of the vessel is included in the control loop, the sensitivity of the system to ocean-wave-induced fluctuations will be vastly reduced, especially at high sea state. Using Ocean Simulator software, a detailed radiometric LIDAR model, and control loop models, Arete will simulate the launch and recovery of at-sea vessels and establish a proof-of-concept of our approach for sea states 1-6."
Adaptive Radar Detection Approaches for Low-RCS Maritime Vessels in Highly Variable Clutter Conditions,N00014-14-P-1147,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79813.00,Arete Associates,1550 Crystal Drive,Suite 703,Arlington,VA,-,No,No,No,David Campion,Vice President,(818) 885-2443,contracts2@arete.com,Andrew Harey,Principal Scientist,(818) 885-2200,aharey@arete.com,"Arete Associates proposes a Phase I effort to develop a radar mode that leverages a long coherent integration times to improve the detection of small boat targets in maritime environments up to sea state 4. The overall objective of this SBIR project is to then integrate these techniques and necessary algorithms into an end-to-end radar system signal processing system. The Phase I base effort will focus on demonstrating the basic concept of non-coherent state estimation to aid in coherent reprocessing. Successful demonstration of these concepts in the base effort will lead to their refinement in the option phase, in anticipation of inclusion in an operational system."
Light Weight Coastal Topographic/ Bathymetric Charting System for Naval Unmanned Airborne Vehicles,N68335-14-C-0120,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,749938.00,Arete Associates,1550 Crystal Drive,Suite 703,Arlington,VA,-,No,No,No,David Kane,Executive Vice President,(520) 770-6099,contracts@arete.com,Ryan Redford,Program Manager,(520) 571-8660,rredford@arete.com,"Arete Associates has developed a compact lightweight lidar system for precision bathymetry and topography suitable for operation from a small tactical unmanned aerial vehicle. The subject of this Phase 2 SBIR is to adapt this existing system to perform submarine detection, classification, and localization. System adaptations include hardware upgrades to optimize ASW performance, implementation of optimal submarine detection algorithms into an on-board real-time processing system, and direct demonstration of the ASW capability by open ocean flights over representative submarine targets. Arete Associates has participated in virtually every program in airborne lidar for ocean remote sensing since the mid-1980s, and is the leading developer of blue-green lidar systems for the US Navy for mine detection applications such as the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS). By leveraging the operational experience with ASW lidar systems, the engineering expertise with airborne mine countermeasure systems, and the innovative designs of the compact lightweight bathymetric lidar, this SBIR provides an outstanding opportunity for the direct demonstration of the utility of a small compact lidar for real-time submarine detection and classification."
Autonomous Underwater Image Processing,N00014-14-C-0159,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,497654.00,Arete Associates,1550 Crystal Drive,Suite 703,Arlington,VA,-,No,No,No,David Kane,Executive Vice President,(520) 571-8660,contracts@arete.com,David Hamrick,Sr. Program Manager,(520) 770-6106,dhamrick@arete.com,"Arete Associates will develop and deliver autonomous image processing algorithms that execute in real-time onboard unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) neutralizers. The real-time image enhancement algorithms mitigate backscatter, surface effects, and platform video motion using single frame and temporal processing techniques. Additionally, the autonomous algorithms optimally control the UUV illumination through statistical sampling techniques and dynamically compress imagery to match limited bandwidth transmission. The proposed effort includes trade studies for a suitable processor architecture meeting SS-DTE requirements, a detailed real-time algorithm implementation, and SS-DTE system integration. Capability demonstrations progress from demonstration in a lab environment to a tank demonstration and finally a real-time demonstration on the SS-DTE test bed."
Algorithms for IR data,FA9453-14-M-0139,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149992.00,Arete Associates,1550 Crystal Drive,Suite 703,Arlington,VA,-,No,No,No,Dave Campion,Vice President,(818) 885-2200,contracts@arete.com,Scott Dobson,Manager,(818) 885-2251,sdobson@arete.com,"ABSTRACT: Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) is emerging as a key enabling technology for new defense applications. It can address many militarily-relevant targets and missions by detecting and tracking signals of interest across a range of lengthscales and timescales. Specifically in the short-wave (SWIR) wavelengths, OPIR can observe stationary, slow-moving, or fast-moving targets and provide tactical parameter estimates. The proposed effort will develop algorithms for real-time processing onboard OPIR platforms which will extract increasingly subtle signatures (smaller and/or dimmer targets) in more challenging clutter environments. The effort will focus initially on demonstrating an algorithm chain for preprocessing, clutter suppression, and track-before-detect processing. Several important mission sets would be addressed by integrating algorithms to mitigate multiple sources of noise and clutter in OPIR data. Future systems could generate a stream of geolocated detections, rapidly delivered to analysts and warfighters, supporting higher-level data analysis and trend detection, cueing and fusion with other sensors. Down the road, more sophisticated onboard processing will allow multiple sensor platforms to coordinate in real time as a system-of-systems, further improving geolocation and characterization. This technology would be transitioned by integrating into a future flight test or other proof-of-concept demonstration, as well as integrating into ground processing for existing systems. BENEFIT: This real-time image processing chain would enable overhead imaging platforms to process data immediately after it is acquired, before it is transmitted to a ground station. Onboard algorithms could improve the quality and relevance of the imagery, reduce the need to transmit wideband information, and provide inputs to future autonomous or semi-autonomous system concepts. A successful track-before-detect algorithm would address a range of noise sources endemic to OPIR data, and could be adapted to commercial applications at other wavelengths. Commercial aerial and satellite imaging systems could use the technologies developed here to assess traffic conditions, monitor high-value assets, or detect environmental changes."
Power scaling of blue lasers with high peak-power and repetition rate for detection of underwater objects,N68335-14-C-0239,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79948.00,Arete Associates,1550 Crystal Drive,Suite 703,Arlington,VA,-,No,No,No,Dave Kane,EVP,(520) 770-6099,contracts2@arete.com,Micah Boyd,Senior Scientist,(303) 651-6756,mboyd@arete.com,"The objective is to develop a low size, weight and power (SWaP), scalable high peak-power blue laser system for use as a transmitter source for detection of underwater objects from an airborne platform. Arete""s approach leverages recent advances in Diode Pumped Solid-State Lasers (DPSSL) components, technology, and know-how. In particular, Arete has developed high peak power lasers in the deep UV at 236 nm for application in remote detection of chemical and biological agents. This system uses a high-performance 946 nm Nd:YAG laser as a starting point with an intermediate frequency double stage that generates 473 nm. Arete""s proposal is based on this approach."
Development of Analysis Techniques for Predicting Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) Equipped UAV Performance in Naval Anti-Submarine Warfare Environmen,N68335-14-C-0198,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79944.00,Arete Associates,1550 Crystal Drive,Suite 703,Arlington,VA,-,No,No,No,David Campion,Vice President,(818) 885-2443,contracts2@arete.com,Brian Platt,Principal Scientist,(818) 885-2200,bplatt@arete.com,"This effort will design tactical decision aid (TDA) software that will estimate the performance of a magnetometer-equipped UAV seeking to exploit the magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) signatures of a submerged submarine. Arete Associates will design software to yield estimates of performance such as probability of detection as well as appropriate search pattern flight paths. The environmental conditions to be considered include noise from geomagnetic sources, geology and ocean waves. Tactical considerations include search pattern orientation and potential encounter orientations with respect to the Earth""s field, swell direction, wind and other factors. The software plan will identify modules encapsulating each of the relevant models or algorithms. A module integration plan will develop a Monte Carlo framework to evaluate probability of detection and other measures of effectiveness, allowing candidate search patterns to be ranked. Arete Associates will assess these plans for feasibility, taking into consideration module speed, maturity and other design factors. Under the Phase I Option task, Arete Associates will develop prototypes of key modules to instantiate a basic prototype of the TDA software."
An Advanced Algorithm for Radar Derived Bathymetry,WC-133R-14-CN-0119,DOC,NOAA,SBIR,2014,2,399900.79,Arete Associates,1550 Crystal Drive,Suite 703,Arlington,VA,-,No,No,No,Douglas F. DeProspo,Vice President,(703) 413-0290,ddeprospo@arete.com,Steven P. Anderson,Sr. Principal Scientist,(703) 413-0290,spanderson@arete.com,"NOAA can reduce costs and improve efficiency by remotely monitoring harbors, navigation channels and coastlines for bathymetric changes. This will aid NOAA and its mission to maintain waterways and assure maritime safety. This remote sensing can be accomplished by implementing a new radar derived bathymetry capability.
Areté Associated proposes to implement an advanced algorithm to derive bathymetry from times-series wave imagery obtained from shore based navigation radars. NOAA will benefit directly from our experience developing and transitioning other remote bathymetry solutions.
Our proposed approach includes the following benefits:
•A low risk approach that exploits linear wave dispersion and Fourier analysis
•High spatial resolution and accuracy retrievals using new variational assimilation approach.
•Algorithm testing and implementation in prototype operational software executable with documentation delivered to NOAA.
•A flexible and adaptive solution that can be used with NOAA’s existing radar systems and extended to other platforms.
The success of Phase II will produce prototype software for a real-time, shore based radar bathymetry capability. This demonstration software is the next step towards NOAA long term goal of an operational remote bathymetric measurement system suitable for both land and ship based radar systems."
Reliability of Commercially Available and State-of-the-Art SiC MOSFETs Under Gate Stress and Body Diode Stress,DE-SC0011315,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149949.91,"Arkansas Power Electronics International, Inc.",535 W. Research Center Blvd.,,Fayetteville,AR,72701-6559,No,No,No,Sharmila Mounce,Mrs.,4794435759,smounce@apei.net,Robert Shaw,Mr.,4794435759,rshaw@apei.net,"An ideal transistor from a circuit designers standpoint consists of an ultra-low on-resistance, majority carrier switching, low gate current drive, and normally-off design. These features are inherent in the silicon carbide (SiC) power MOSFET, with the small footnote that the device, although having surpassed many hurdles along the way, is still plagued by a few key issues that limit commercial adoption into todays systems threshold voltage instability and body diode forward voltage degradation. These issues result in a limited application space for SiC MOSFETs due to the bias-dependent threshold voltage and oversizing (cost increasing) of the anti-parallel SiC Schottky diodes to ensure the body diodes do not conduct current, respectively. These reliability issues need to be studied across device vendors, SiC MOSFET structures, SiC MOSFET device generations, active areas, gate-bias electric fields, and temperature to allow for an accurate assessment of the technology. The work proposed herein addresses all of these variables and will help industry better understand the instabilities of the devices over a range of conditions, as well as the implications to the end user, due to APEI, Inc.s unique in-house system design team. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Proposed long term testing includes high temperature positive and negative gate bias, body diode bias, and switching tests across a number of commercial and state-of-the-art SiC MOSFET manufacturers such as Cree, Rohm Semiconductor, GE, Microsemi, and STMicroelectronics. Individual device performance data will be collected at strategic time intervals throughout testing with the end goal being an accurate assessment of any device performance shift as a result of the applied bias. As a leader in wide bandgap electronics, APEI, Inc. has a vested interest in developing qualification and reliability test programs in order to further advance the adoption of SiC devices into commercial, industrial, military, aerospace, and energy exploration applications. By remaining device neutral, APEI, Inc. is able to provide independent, unbiased, accurate results as a 3rd-party testing facility."
"Highly Efficient, High Power Density GaN-based DC-DC Converters for Grid-Tied Energy Storage Applications",DE-SC0011963,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,149998.51,"Arkansas Power Electronics International, Inc.",535 W. Research Center Blvd.,,Fayetteville,AR,72701-6559,No,No,No,Sharmila Mounce,Mrs.,4794435759,smounce@apei.net,Daniel Martin,Dr.,,dmartin@apei.net,"APEI, Inc. is proposing in this Phase I effort to design and build a scalable, high-efficiency, high-power density, gallium nitride (GaN)-based DC-DC converter for grid-tied energy storage applications. The project approach will utilize a soft switching dual active bridge DC-DC converter with state-of-the-art GaN power semiconductor switches and advanced power packaging techniques to efficiently transform energy from a battery energy storage system to a three-phase voltage-source inverter for subsequent insertion to the AC grid. This converter can work with any renewable or alternative energy source that produces an unregulated or uncontrolled DC voltage at its terminals. The goals of the Phase I project are to: i) compare several candidate DC-DC soft-switching converter topologies for high voltage, high power energy storage applications, ii) design a custom GaN-based power module demonstrating optimal thermal, electrical, and mechanical characteristics, iii) design and build a representative scalable prototype to demonstrate the efficacy of the selected GaN power module-based soft-switching converter topology, and iv) target the preliminary performance specifications provided in the solicitation in order to commercialize this technology for existing and emerging energy storage power conversion systems used for facility load peak shaving, energy arbitrage, renewable energy smoothing/buffering, and coincident peak reduction. APEI, Inc. will use its expertise in power electronics miniaturization and packaging to design and build a minimum volume and weight, high efficiency electronic converter that converts a DC voltage from a battery energy storage system at its input to a desired DC voltage at its output."
High Temperature (300c) Silicon Carbide (SiC)-Based Integrated Gate Drivers for Wide Bandgap Power Devices,DE-SC0010093,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,2,999996.27,"Arkansas Power Electronics International, Inc.",535 W. Research Center Blvd.,,Fayetteville,AR,72701-6559,No,No,No,Sharmila Mounce,Mrs.,,smounce@apei.net,Brett Sparkman,Mr.,4794435759,bsparkm@apei.net,"In this Phase II proposal, APEI, Inc. will continue development of its patented high temperature gate driver technology, enabling the next generation of high-efficiency, high power density converters. At the conclusion of Phase II, APEI, Inc. will have designed, fabricated, and tested a high temperature (300 C) SiC application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) gate driver. The fabricated SiC ASIC gate driver will then be integrated into an APEI, Inc. power module, providing for a next generation smart power module solution."
Wireless Power for Battlefield Airmen Operation,FA8650-14-C-2430,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,742676.00,"ArmorWorks, Inc.",305 N. 54th Street,,Chandler,AZ,85226-,No,No,No,William Perciballi,President,(480) 598-5701,bill@armorworks.com,Ken-An Lou,Chief Scientist,(480) 598-5723,klou@armorworks.com,"ABSTRACT: A phase II program is proposed leading to integrate wireless inductive power transfer technology on two prototype tactical vests. The focus of the phase II program would be the development and evaluation of a full-scale inductive power transfer system on a PRC-152 radio by both modifying and interfacing its battery. Because a mating vest/pouch that contains inductive charging circuits so the PRC-152 charges automatically once the radio is inserted into the pouch. The prototypes developed in Phase II will be qualified against MIL-STD-810G and 461F. BENEFIT: By providing airmen with a patented wireless power transfer technology, it results in operational cost savings to the Air Force, while allowing it to be more responsive to the burdens of the dismounted airman. The convenience and user-friendliness of a wireless power transfer system can be commercialized immediately for electronic devices carried by border patrol, homeland security, and search and rescue personnel as well as for consumer electronic devices such as cell phones, smart phones, iPod/MP3 players, and tablet computers."
Path Planner for Dynamic Environments,FA8650-14-C-7405,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,499832.00,"TORC Robotics, LLC","2200 Kraft Dr, Ste 2050",,Blacksburg,VA,24060-,No,No,No,Garnett Linkous,Contracts Manager,(540) 443-6687,linkous@torcrobotics.com,David C. Conner,Senior Research Scientist,(540) 443-6679,conner@torcrobotics.com,"ABSTRACT: Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) have shown promise enhancing a number of military missions; however, most successful autonomous systems have been employed in highly structured environments. To enable operations in militarily relevant, unstructured environments at an operational tempo, a number of obstacle avoidance and planning challenges must be overcome. A viable autonomous system should require minimal supervisory control and operate across a variety of environments from off-road cross-country terrain to dynamic urban environments. TORC Robotics, LLC (TORC) is working to address these challenges in a number of active projects with the Air Force Research Labs, the Joint Ground Robotics Enterprise (JGRE) and the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL). The enhanced behaviors and perception capabilities integrated to support the combat-airstrip survey mission will further the goal of enabling operations in military-relevant, dynamic environments. BENEFIT: The research under this SBIR will provide the benefit of extended feedback and new runway survey capabilities to the AFSOC end AFCEC communities. Commercial applications will evolve from additional development for continuous runway surveys and monitoring."
"Inexpensive, Field-Portable, Rugged, Voltammetric Sensors Based on Functionalized Microporous Membranes, with ppb Sensitivity, Multi-Analyte Dis",W912HZ-14-P-0059,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,1,99993.00,"Ashwin-Ushas Corporation, Inc.",9 Red Coach Ln,,Holmdel,NJ,07733-,No,Yes,No,Prasanna Chandrasekhar,President,(732) 739-1122,chandra.p2@ashwin-ushas.com,Prasanna Chandrasekhar,President,(732) 739-1122,chandra.p2@ashwin-ushas.com,"This work proposes ruggedized, microporous membrane-based sensors for detection of multiple inorganic and organic analytes in the environment based on a modification of voltammetric techniques. It leverages ongoing work at this firm for the Army in voltammetric electrochemical sensors for field sensing of CW agents based on unique membranes having microchip Controllers with Android cellphone control interfaces. Voltammetric techniques are sensitive techniques for detection, quantitation of multiple inorganic/organic analytes present together, in a laboratory setting. However, they are currently impractical/expensive for field use, requiring, e.g., specialized sampling cells, bulky potentiostats, and laptop control interfaces. Other techniques, e.g. AAS, ICP-AES and ICP-MS, are even less practical and more expensive. The proposed technology incorporates three modules: (1) A small, flexible, thin-film, field-rugged, throwaway sensor employing unique, Conducting-Polymer-functionalized, metalized microporous membranes, using both direct and modified-electrode sensing (for specific sensitivity). (2) A tiny (2 cm square), inexpensive (2 km. During the second year, Bridger will engineer the FSO subsystem to be robust to strong atmospheric turbulence by integrating advanced coding schemes and multi-aperture transceivers. Finally, the device will be packaged and delivered to the Army in Corbin, VA where final field testing and training will be provided."
Lidar-based high resolution 3D imager and remote gas sensor: a new paradigm for terrestrial environmental monitoring,DE-SC0011233,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,224994.00,"Bridger Photonics, Inc","2310 University Way, Bldg 4-4",,Bozeman,MT,-,No,No,No,Lisa Bleile,Dr.,4065852774,bleile@bridgerphotonics.com,Michael Thorpe,Dr.,4065852774,thorpe@bridgerphotonics.com,"Predictive modeling and understanding of the response and resilience of the terrestrial environment to both climate change and human intervention is critical for sustainable management of natural resources. However, measurement and modeling of terrestrial environments is challenging due to the complexity and multitude of interactions occurring among plants, microbes, minerals, migrating fluids, and dissolved constituents within the bedrock-to-canopy zone. To improve predictive understanding of the coupled terrestrial ecosystem dynamics and to identify their interrelated controls, numerous coordinated measurements are needed. To this end, preliminary measurements at the Next Generation Ecosystem Experiment near Barrow, Ak (NGEE-Arctic) indicate that such co-analysis of different geophysical data streams holds promise for identifying fundamental relationships between different ecosystem parameters. However, current sensor technology makes data acquisition labor intensive, and yields low spatialtemporal resolution datasets. Improved scientific instrumentation that can acquire multi-parameter simultaneous measurements from UAV-mounted platforms are needed to enable high-spatiotemporal-resolution over wide geographic areas. Such instrumentation will facilitate a clear understanding of the interrelated processes that govern ecosystems to enable prediction of terrestrial and climate outcomes based on measurements. To address this measurement need, Bridger Photonics proposes collaborating with Susan Hubbard at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to develop and test a combined 3D imager and remote gas sensor to advance terrestrial environmental monitoring at sites such as the NGEE-Arctic. The proposed sensor will combine Bridgers existing 3D imaging technology with simultaneous and co-aligned CO2 and water vapor concentration measurements. The LBNL team will provide data acquisition networks and data fusion algorithms to co-characterize lidar datasets with other subsurface and surface-based geophysical measurements to greatly improve understanding of ecosystem dynamics. The Phase II effort will adapt the proposed sensor for use from a UAV platform to greatly increase the spatiotemporal coverage for terrestrial environmental monitoring. The DOE will also have the option to develop additional sensor configurations including bathymetric imaging of inundated surfaces and measuring atmospheric CH4 concnetrations. In addition to the expected utility for scientific ecosystem monitoring, this technology is expected to be useful for monitoring processes relevant to industrial and commercial activities. Potential applications include: methane leak detection from pipelines, well platforms, and holding tanks for the petroleum industry, biomass density estimation in managed ecosystems for agriculture and timber industries, carbon dioxide emissions monitoring for increased accountability in the carbon economy, and monitoring and maintenance of critical infrastructure for transportation and geotechnical industries."
Tomographic Coherent Ladar Based Atmospheric Turbulence Profile Characterization System,FA8650-14-M-1787,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,"Bridger Photonics, Inc","2310 University Way, Bldg 4-4",,Bozeman,MT,-,No,No,No,Lisa Bleile,Financial Controller,(406) 585-2774,bleile@bridgerphotonics.com,Randy Reibel,President,(406) 585-2774,reibel@bridgerphotonics.com,"ABSTRACT: This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate, develop, and determine the feasibility of using a coherent FMCW ladar measurement system and tomographic methods to provide characterization of atmospheric turbulence profiles. By coherently tracking a small array of point targets from multiple receivers in a known geometry, the transverse and longitudinal structure of refractive index fluctuations can be estimated along several intersecting paths. These integrated path measurements can be combined to form an incoherent or coherent tomographic reconstruction of the atmospheric turbulence. The use of high range resolution FMCW chirped ladar allows point targets to be identified and isolated by their range even when individual targets cannot be optically resolved in the transverse dimension due to broadening by strong optical turbulence. The use of passive retro-reflecting targets or possibly laser guide stars illuminating on a diffuse, opaque target makes the technique well suited to characterization of down-looking and slant-path turbulence profiles from an airborne platform. The proposed technique uses methods and ideas from Synthetic Aperture Ladar (SAL) imaging. The Phase I work will provide algorithmic and experimental proof-of-concept demonstrations and analysis to determine the feasibility of a long-range atmospheric turbulence characterization system. BENEFIT: The United States Air Force currently deploys and anticipates more widespread deployment of a variety of active electro-optical sensors and systems including laser altimeters, wind lidar, free-space optical communications, vibrometry, and coherent imaging sensors including synthetic aperture and holographic ladar imaging. The performance of all of these systems is impacted by atmospheric turbulence. Atmospheric turbulence has been extensively studied both theoretically and experimentally, but remains largely an intractable problem particularly in low altitude slant-path applications due to its inherent randomness, chaotic unpredictability, and strong effects. Typically, turbulence is characterized by the path-integrated structure constant or the Fried parameter, whereas the performance of electro-optic systems depends on the structure constant as a function of distance. Bridger Photonics, Inc. and Montana State University Spectrum Lab propose to develop a system to characterize the atmospheric turbulence as a function of distance but also in a spatially and temporally resolved manner. The success of such an approach would represent a significant leap forward in the characterization of atmospheric turbulence and may unlock a deeper understanding of a fundamentally chaotic problem and potentially perpetrate improved electro-optic, coherent imaging and coherent communications systems."
APERTURE SYNTHESIS ENABLED BY FAST FOCAL PLANE ARRAYS,FA8650-14-M-1793,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,"Bridger Photonics, Inc","2310 University Way, Bldg 4-4",,Bozeman,MT,-,No,No,No,Lisa Bleile,Controller,(406) 585-2774,bleile@bridgerphotonics.com,Randy Reibel,Chief Operations Officer,(406) 585-2774,reibel@bridgerphotonics.com,"ABSTRACT: There is a critical need for optical imagers that can achieve both extremely high resolution and a compact form factor for rapid and accurate target identification and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance from airborne platforms. Under this effort, Bridger Photonics Inc. proposes to determine the feasibility of an unconventional imaging system that leverages fast focal plane arrays. Bridger""s existing system design records information over an extended three dimensional Fourier data space and can utilize either distributed apertures, aperture motion or target motion to improve overall imaging resolution in any of the dimensions. Bridger will perform system modeling and hardware demonstrations by using the basic system design in three""focus""areas including: 1) using multiple transceivers for enhanced resolution and rapid Fourier fill, 2) using low coherence sources combined with the fast focal plane array in a novel sub-resolved Fourier telescopy configuration and 3) enhancing passive imagery by using digital corrections estimated when the active system is engaged. Bridger will down select successful approaches, provide a Phase II prototype design and determine its feasibility. Bridger would implement the prototype design during the Phase II effort, provide both indoor and outdoor testing of the device, and deliver the final hardware to the sponsor. BENEFIT: Under the proposed effort Bridger Photonics Inc. will develop an advanced distributed aperture imaging system with better spatial resolution than is possible with conventional imaging. The proposed system will provide a significant savings in size, weight and power and will be designed to fit within existing EO turret or sensor pods. Bridger""s technology offers several critical competitive advantages including 1) Unparalleled resolution in three dimensions by enabling large synthetic apertures, 2) ultra-compact and robust form factor, and 3) rapid acquisition, processing and display times. With these competitive advantages, Bridger anticipates that it will be well positioned to capitalize on identified commercial and military markets. These markets include replacing specialized, high resolution optical sensors on existing airborne assets in the Air Force fleet, providing additional capability into platforms which use sensor balls or pods for attaching to unmanned drones, and providing a unique, ultra-low-profile high resolution imagers. The technology has appeal in commercial markets as well, where it can be used for improving the spatial resolution in metrology and manufacturing markets."
"Low-Profile, Broadband, Shear-Mode SONAR Transducer for Deep Submergence Applications",N00014-14-P-1125,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,80000.00,BTech Acoustics LLC,17 Surrey Rd.,,Barrington,RI,02806-,No,No,No,David Brown,President,(401) 261-9318,dbrown@BTechAcoustics.com,Corey Bachand,Senior Engineer,(508) 910-9812,dbAcoustics@cox.net,"BTech proposes the design and development of a low-profile, broadband, shear-mode piezocrystal acoustic transducer for deep submergence applications. The Phase I effort considers evaluation of design variants of shear mode transducers with increased pressure operation/tolerance and tradeoffs associated with the same. Design feasibility is supported with calculations of expected performance and where possible, proof-of-principle experimentation."
Spherical Piezocrystal Transducers,N00014-14-C-0102,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,488853.00,BTech Acoustics LLC,17 Surrey Rd.,,Barrington,RI,02806-,No,No,No,David Brown,President / Scientist,(401) 261-9318,dbrown@btechacoustics.com,Corey Bachand,Senior Engineer,(401) 261-9318,dbacoustics@cox.net,"We propose the continued design, development and testing of spherical piezocrystal transducers and supporting technology including our gyroid transducer. The Phase II effort covers the modeling and demonstration of the gyroid transducer and comparison of performance with several piezocrystal and piezoceramic materials and testing in realistic environment. The electroacoustic performance will be estimated and/or measured for several prototypes. The transducers will be evaluated for applicability and transition to Navy programs."
Innovative Acoustic Velocity Sensors,N00024-14-P-4508,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79996.00,BTech Acoustics LLC,17 Surrey Rd.,,Barrington,RI,02806-,No,No,No,David Brown,President,(401) 261-9318,dbrown@BTechAcoustics.com,Corey Bachand,Senior Engineer,(508) 910-9812,dbAcoustics@cox.net,"BTech proposes the design and development of low-profile, innovative acoustic velocity sensors for measuring acoustic motion of sound waves in marine applications. Methods include increasing voltage sensitivity by novel connections, considerations of co-located preamplifiers, multiple plates, improved materials and more. An improved acoustic motion accelerometer sensor for hull arrays is proposed using piezoelectric plates in a neutrally bouyant case."
Expand Data Transfer Rates within Legacy Aircraft (ERLA),FA8750-14-C-0202,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,147384.00,5-D Systems Inc.,"1 Chisholm Trail, Suite 3200",,Round Rock,TX,78681-5002,No,No,No,Darren Johnson,Manager of Product Development,(512) 238-9840,darren.johnson@5dsystems.com,"Bennie R. Kirk, Jr",Principal Investigator,(512) 238-9840,bennie.kirk@5dsystems.com,"ABSTRACT: The intercommunication data rate (IDR) of legacy aircraft is a limiting factor for transferring data between positions on the platform. Future planned capabilities, like the Advanced Tactical Data Link (ATDL), will require a significant increase in IDR, which typically requires an expensive, time-consuming retrofit of the legacy platform to install networking cables or fibers. 5-D has conceived a system, Broadband On Aircraft-multi (BOAm), leveraging commercial Power Line Communications (PLC) technology that will provide Gigabit class IDR throughput over the existing wiring in legacy aircraft. Our concept will use multiple, militarized PLC communication channels to provide significant point-to-point, or multipoint communications. This technology will provide robust, secure, and reliable communications over the currently installed complement of wiring, cables, and power lines, throughout a platform, without interfering with the original wiring function or existing systems. Our concept is expandable to utilize all available communication channels, in concert, to increase IDR throughput to over 100 Mbps (threshold) or over 1 Gbps (objective). Our previous experience with PLC technology has proven that it can be militarized and employed on a legacy platform to provide significant bandwidth, and we will leverage this experience to successfully develop this new capability. BENEFIT: This effort will provide a product that easily adds a high-speed network, suitable for video transport and other high bandwidth applications, using only existing wiring in the target platform. Installing additional wiring in legacy aircraft is very costly and time consuming, so this technology could significantly reduce the effort required to implement desirable upgrades. This technology allows modern upgrades to be easily implemented in legacy aircraft, thus increasing their utility and value. Our system is expandable to use all accessible power, 1553 data bus, and discrete wiring to provide the Intercommunication Data Rate required. This technology has the potential to gain a real foothold in the aviation marketplace as a low-cost, low-impact, and reliable upgrade to existing aircraft. 5-D plans to make this offering an easy upgrade decision for a significant percentage of aircraft systems worldwide. In addition, the technology is applicable to many other types of platforms that we have not yet assessed as markets including: military and civil ground vehicles, marine platforms, and even industrial communications"
Militarized Power Line Communication,W56KGU-14-C-0063,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,2,572900.00,5-D Systems Inc.,"1 Chisholm Trail, Suite 3200",,Round Rock,TX,78681-5002,No,No,No,Darren Johnson,Manager of Product Develo,(512) 238-9840,darren.johnson@5dsystems.com,"Bennie R. Kirk, Jr.",Principal Investigator,(512) 238-9840,bennie.kirk@5dsystems.com,"Significant energy is required to operate and maintain the extensive U.S. military mission around the world. This equates to significant costs to the country. Smart power microgrids have proven to significantly increase efficiency, as well as enable the u"
Ultra-High Density Ion Propulsion From Ionic Liquids,FA9300-14-C-2500,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,747985.00,"Busek Co., Inc.",MA,,Natick,MA,01760-1023,No,No,No,Judy Budny,Contracts Administrator,(508) 655-5565,judy@busek.com,Yu-Hui Chiu,Director of Applied Sciences,(508) 655-5565,ychiu@busek.com,"ABSTRACT: Busek Co. Inc. and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) propose to explore the physical limits of ionic liquid propulsion via development of new theory to explain effects of close packing emission density and to predict performance limits. The research is motivated by observations and tests demonstrating that emission from 2-dimensional porous surfaces yields order of magnitude greater emission densities than state-of-the-art MEMS approaches, and also that the emission densities, specific impulse, thrust, and charge/mass do not behave as expected or would be predicted by current electrospray theory. It is postulated that this is due to the changing nature of the emitter surface itself as propellant flowrates vary, and that emission unconstrained by fixed individual extractor apertures promotes more natural and free formation of emission sites at varying densities dictated by instantaneous operating conditions. For the Phase I effort, Busek and MIT developed theory describing porous emission from large 2-dimension surfaces and used available data and additional testing to confirm validity of the theory. These finding predicted performance limits of the 2-D surface emission phenomena. The Phase II shall use the theoretical predictions to develop novel prototype emitters to confirm the theory and attain ultra high-density ion emission. BENEFIT: The continual challenge of realizing the benefit of electrospray-based propulsion has been scale-up of thrust to the levels relevant and desired for most missions. With individual emitters producing thrusts commonly less than several microNewtons, and more usually only at the nanoNewton level, large scale multiplexing is required to achieve milliNewton thrust levels and beyond. Because of this, MEMS emitter architectures have been assiduously investigated owing to their capacity to generate large and densely-packed arrays of emitters. To-date, the MEMS approach has demonstrated some significant outcomes, but faces two difficulties for practical implementation: 1) The individual ballasting of emitters to dedicated extractor apertures greatly increases propensity for thruster failure due to shorting, and 2) MEMS process itself may limit emitter density due to microfabrication resolution constraints. 2-dimension surface emission has already demonstrated significantly superior emission densities and operating lifetimes than MEMS approaches based upon the strength of 2 basic concepts- that emitting from a 2-D surface dispenses with the failure-prone extractor that essentially masks much of the emission area, and that emission from a free surface, rather than predetermined sites, promotes natural formation of much greater number of emission sites. Preliminary data have already demonstrated the advantages of the 2-D approach, and the improved understanding enabled by the proposed research is expected to advance the understanding and develop predictive theory for development of extremely dense ion generation."
Low Mass Low Specific Power Hall Effect Thruster,FA9300-14-M-1001,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149994.00,"Busek Co., Inc.",MA,,Natick,MA,01760-1023,No,No,No,Judy Budny,Contracts Administrator,(508) 655-5565,judy@busek.com,Vlad Hruby,President,(508) 655-5565,vhruby@busek.com,"ABSTRACT: Busek proposes to develop a high power, low mass Hall Effect thruster. The baseline thruster is tentatively sized at the nominal 8kW power level. Specific features to be implemented include the use of SmCo permanent magnets. The goal of the effort is to reduce thruster specific power to<1kg/kW which is a 3-fold decreased over SOA systems of comparable power. The thruster will also be infused an advanced propellant distribution methodology. Thruster lifetime will be evaluated through a combination of magnetic modeling and erosion analysis and modeling. The target thruster efficiency is>60%. In Phase I we will evaluate an existing permanent magnet thruster to develop the theoretical and experimental underpinnings of the full power design. Following the experimental effort we will prepare the detailed design of the thruster. The thruster design will be supported by magnetic modeling, lifetime predications, and thermal and structural analysis. In Phase II we will build, performance test and conduct environmental testing of an advanced version of the thruster to raise the maturity level to TRL 6. We plan to work closely with AFRL in this project in order to maximize the utility of the deliverable thruster to support IHPRPT RP21 goals. BENEFIT: Broadly speaking high power Hall thrusters can serve DoD space needs, the in-space transportation of DoD space assets, all-electric commercial Comsats for both orbit transfer and station keeping as well as NASA science missions. The thruster is also compatible with alternate propellants such as krypton and/or iodine."
Fast Real Time Positioning using GNSS,DTRT57-14-C-10006,DOT,DOT,SBIR,2014,2,749993.51,SubCarrier Systems Corp. (SCSC),1833 East Foothill Blvd.,,Glendora,CA,91741-3925,Yes,No,No,Dorothy D. Kelley,President/CEO,(626) 482-2594,dorothykelley@ITSware.net,David C. Kelley,ITS Program Manager,(626) 485-7528,davidkelley@ITSware.net,"A well-established method of differential GNSS corrections, referred to as real time kinematic (RTK), is applied to raw signals which can be obtained for inexpensive automotive grade GNSS designs. This technical approach to position determination is historically found only in higher cost survey grade devices.
Today’s automotive class designs can achieve positional accuracies of slightly over one meter when using satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) corrections, and require 25 seconds or more to begin operating. With local differential corrections (DGPS) they can achieve sub meter accuracies. Using these RTK methods we proved in Phase I that such devices can achieve positional accuracies of centimeters when operating in a fixed ambiguity mode, while sub-meter accuracies are obtained when in a floating mode – both were achieved while operating in moving vehicles in typical urban environments. Hence decimeter accuracy performance levels for a moving vehicle become both achievable and cost effective. Startup times to initial first fix are also sharply reduced due to the ready availability of local data for use.
In Phase II we will add additional robustness to the developed algorithms moving towards a commercial product in the form of a reference design which others can readily adopt for their own needs."
Hypergolic Liquid-propellant Mitigation System to Enhance Missile Safety,HQ0147-14-C-7046,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2014,2,969760.00,"Streamline Automation, LLC",3100 Fresh Way SW,,Huntsville,AL,35805-,No,No,No,Jim Shaw,Member,(256) 713-1220,Jim.Shaw@streamlineautomation.biz,Alton Reich,Principal Engineer,(256) 713-1220,Alton.Reich@streamlineautomation.biz,"The availability of an effective liquid-propellant mitigation system will enhance the safety of liquid hypergolic propulsion systems while deployed, during depot storage, and during transport. The system can be modified to respond to leaks or spills during tank loading operations. The main advantage that solid-fuel Divert and Attitude Control Systems have over liquid DACS is safety. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7903 (2 July 14)"
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL FOR THE SHIPBOARD LIGHTING SYSTEM (AVIATION LIGHTING SYSTEM-CONTROL PANEL SET (ALS-CPS)) SBIR N04-081 PHASE II,N00024-14-C-4059,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,1410600.00,"C3I, Inc.",4 Merrill Industrial Dr.,Ste 108,Hampton,NH,03842-,No,No,No,Patty Philbrook,Contracts,(603) 929-0874,pphilbrook@c3i-usa.com,Mike Curry,President,(603) 929-9989,mcurry@c3i-usa.com,"This Proposal identifies the tasks to be performed by C3I for the partial completion of the Aviation Lighting System Control Panel Set (ALS-CPS) technology developments of SBIR Topic N04-081. The Advanced Lighting System Control Panel Set (ALS-CPS) components include a 12""Control Panel (12""CP), Network Switch (NS), Modular Protocol Controller (MPC), Variable Transformer Power Control Module (VTPCM), LED Flex Driver Module (LFDM), and a General Purpose I/O component (GPIO). These components collectively comprise ALS-CPS. The tasks in this Proposal cover the technical documentation, fabrication, and qualification testing of the 12""CP, MPC, VTPCM and GPIO. The ALS-CPS provides for overall reduced VLA life-cycle cost with significant improvement in capability and function as well as ease of maintenance. The 12""CP is Night Vision Device (NVD) compliant, which is in line with the objectives of the NGVLA."
High Gradient Accelerator Cavities Using Atomic Layer Deposition,DE-SC0011228,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,"Calabazas Creek Research, Inc.",690 Port Drive,,San Mateo,CA,-,No,No,No,Robert L. Ives,Dr.,6503129575,rli@calcreek.com,Robert Ives,Dr.,6503129575,rli@calcreek.com,"The length of high energy accelerators is determined by the magnitude of the RF electric field that can be supported in the cavities without breakdown. The accelerator length directly impacts the size and cost. Efforts are continuing around the world to understand the physics of RF breakdown and develop new techniques and materials for increasing the electric fields that accelerator cavities can support. Calabazas Creek Research Inc. is proposing to use Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) to further understand how materials impact electric field breakdown and develop improved accelerator cavities. The program will apply custom designed coatings on test cavities to analyze RF breakdown and defect and material migration. Once the underlying physics is better understood, CCR will use ALD to fabricated RF cavities that can support higher electric fields. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Improved RF cavities will be applicable to many future accelerator and collider systems. This includes the Compact Linear Collider and the International Linear Collider, where many thousands of cavities will be required. It will also allow length reduction in industrial and medical accelerators, reducing system costs."
"Low-Cost, High-Efficiency Triode Magnetrons for Accelerator Applications",DE-SC0011229,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,"Calabazas Creek Research, Inc.",690 Port Drive,,San Mateo,CA,-,No,No,No,Robert L. Ives,Dr.,6503129575,rli@calcreek.com,Michael Read,Dr.,8024791428,mike@calcreek.com,"High efficiency, low cost RF sources are required for proton, ion, and muon accelerators. These
sources must be compact and provide precise control of the output power. Currently only large, expensive klystrons can provide this performance. Calabazas Creek Research Inc. proposes to develop a triode magnetron that incorporates a grid for precise control of the output power. The grid may also be useful for phase locking two or more magnetrons for power combining. The program will use advanced, 3D, time dependent codes to analyze magnetron electrical performance and 3D finite element codes to analyze the thermomechanical performance. The goal will be development of a robust, low cost, high efficiency RF source for applications requiring precise control of the output power. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Magnetrons can provide high levels of RF power at very high efficiency at low cost. As oscillators, however, their applications are limited. Magnetrons with more precise control of the output power could find wide application in accelerators and colliders. They would also provide improved performance for high resolution radar."
Robust RF Photocathodes,DE-SC0009583,DOE,DOE,STTR,2014,2,999999.07,"Calabazas Creek Research, Inc.",690 Port Drive,,San Mateo,CA,-,No,No,No,Robert Ives,Dr.,6503129575,rli@calcreek.com,Robert Ives,Dr.,6503129575,rli@calcreek.com,"Existing high quantum efficiency (QE) photocathodes experience very short lifetimes, often only a few hours. Because of the fabrication expense for these cathodes, commercial use is impractical for most applications. Photocathodes with long lifetime are needed to make photoguns cost effective for commercial applications. CCR and the University of Maryland are applying controlled porosity reservoir cathode technology to increase lifetime and provide recovery of contaminated photocathodes. The goal is to extend the lifetime of high QE photocathodes by more than two orders of magnitude. The Phase I program demonstrated that reservoir technology is applicable to photocathodes. Cesiated tungsten cathode lifetime was extended from approximately 100 hours to more than 30,000 hours. The technique was tested and verified for photocathode materials with QE exceeding 1%. The Phase II program will develop fabrication techniques for photocathodes with high QE at production volumes. Because these cathodes cannot be exposed to air, it will be necessary to develop techniques and tooling to handle, transport, and install cathodes at user facilities. The program will include extensive testing to confirm that remotely fabricated photocathodes can be successfully transported, installed, and operated. High power testing will be performed at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: This technology would be applicable to high performance accelerators and colliders, as well as light sources for advanced research. Implementation in electron microscopes would provide ultrafast electron microscopy with time resolution on the femto-second time scales."
Innovative Materials for Microwave Tube Applications,N00014-14-P-1198,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,79970.00,"Calabazas Creek Research, Inc.",690 Port Drive,,San Mateo,CA,-,No,No,No,R. Ives,President,(650) 312-9575,rli@calcreek.com,R. Ives,President,(650) 312-9575,rli@calcreek.com,"Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) offers a powerful technique for changing the surface properties of a material while maintaining the bulk properties. This allows one to create a new class of materials where one combines excellent bulk properties of lower cost materials, such as copper, with desirable surface properties of rare or expensive materials, such as tungsten, platinum, titanium, molybdenum, or silver. It also provides techniques for dramatically reducing corrosion and erosion. ALD provides unprecedented control of surface coatings on a broad range of substrates, including metals and ceramics. One can create nanometer thick coatings sufficiently thin to retain the properties of the substrate, such as electrical and thermal conductivity, dielectric properties, and cost. This program will investigate applications for ALD in microwave and millimeter wave RF sources. Promising applications have already been identified and will be further developed. The Phase I program will investigate applications related to RF and electrical breakdown, RF loss, multipactor, metallization, work function reduction, and surface finish. If funded, the Phase I option will apply the technology coat internal microwave source structures for corrosion prevention. The Phase II program will test promising coating applications and develop ALD hardware compatible with RF source production."
"High Power Density, High Efficiency Advanced Generator for DEW Systems",M67854-14-C-6507,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79307.00,Candent Technologies Incorporated,6107 W. Airport Blvd,Suite 190,Greenfield,IN,46140-9122,No,No,No,Hernando Munevar,President&CEO,(317) 336-4478,hmunevar@candent-technologies.com,Emanuel Papandreas,"Vice President, Engineeri",(317) 336-4477,mannyp@candent-technologies.com,"Solid state RF and millimeter wave weapons systems require substantial power to operate. Pure solid state systems have limited energy density and require charging over the typical use cycle. The directed energy system must be compact enough to mount on a vehicle such as a HMMWV, a small trailer or a structure such as found within an embassy compound. Current power systems are much too large and heavy to meet the requirements of the system; therefore a higher power density solution is required. Candent Technologies is proposing a microturbine based power generation system, designed to provide up to 250 kW on a continuous basis, ready to use at any time with no limitations of on/off time or duty cycle that could render the system unavailable at a critical moment. The system consists of a small, single shaft gas turbine directly driving a high speed permanent magnet alternator at constant speed, with rectified output providing DC power. The turbine is fitted with a waste heat recovery system (recuperator), which results in fuel efficiency better than similar power diesels. This proposed system will be required one fourth of the weight and one third the volume of equivalent diesel systems."
Efficient Light Weight Propulsion for Small Unmanned Surface Vehicle,N00024-14-C-4070,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,369344.00,Candent Technologies Incorporated,6107 W. Airport Blvd,Suite 190,Greenfield,IN,46140-9122,No,No,No,Hernando Munevar,President&CEO,(317) 336-4478,hmunevar@candent-technologies.com,Emanuel Papandreas,"Vice President, Engineeri",(317) 336-4477,mannyp@candent-technologies.com,"The Phase I of this SBIR completed the design, fabrication, and demonstration of a prototype heavy fuel engine for the Class X USV, and also completed the preliminary design of the waterjet propulsor as well as the preliminary design of the systems and the integration with the hull. Phase II of the SBIR will complete the final design of the waterjet, continue the development of the engine and its performance optimization, and will also fabricate and test a number of complete propulsion systems. The project will also fabricate a number of prototype vessel (USV) systems for further testing, development and operational, both at the contractor facilities and at the US Navy."
Development of Corrosion Resistant Prestressed Concrete Strands Utilizing Liquie Plasma Technology,DTRT57-14-C-10047,DOT,DOT,SBIR,2014,1,149867.00,CAP Technologies LLC,609 Centerville,,Denham Springs,LA,70726-,No,No,No,Edward Daigle,President,(225) 753-2200,eodaigle@captechnologiesllc.com,Pratheesh George,Materials Research Analyst,(225) 753-2200,pgeorge@captechnologiesllc.com,"This proposal is to prove the feasibility of a new and novel zinc-based alloyed coating on both the manufactured Grade 270 0.5 and 0.6 low-relaxation strands and for the individual wires used to make the 7-wire strand for prestressed concrete used in bridge construction. The application of the coating will use CAP Technologies LLC [CAP] proprietary and patented foam plasma technology
also known as Electrolytic Plasma Technology [EPT] to apply the zinc-based alloyed coating. This particular application will require research to identify the best composition of electrolyte, and the best operating parameters. The adhesion of the individual wires will be tested by drawing the wire through a series of dies to reduce the diameter of the wire. After wire drawing, the wire will be tested to insure that the corrosion and the mechanical properties have not decreased. We anticipate that the coating on the wire will have superior corrosion properties because of the new composition or alloying of the
metals in the coating. The EPT process has proven to be cost-effective in applying standard zinc coatings. This gives us confidence that the new superior coating composition can also be applied efficiently. (191 words)"
Low-Cost Radiation Detection Using a Smart Phone,HSHQDC-14-C-00028,DHS,DHS,SBIR,2014,1,149999.52,"CapeSym, Inc.",6 Huron Drive,Suite 1B,Natick,MA,01760-1325,No,No,No,Shariar Motakef,President,(508) 653-7100,motakef@capesim.com,Shariar Motakef,President,(508) 653-7100,motakef@capesim.com,"Accurate high-performance, low-cost handheld devices are needed by law enforcement and first responders for the detection, identification,
classification and reporting of radioactive materials. The goal of this program is to produce a compact, low-power radiation identifier that costs less than $500 to make and communicates with a smartphone or tablet for computational analysis. CapeSym will leverage its established CdZnTe
manufacturing capability to integrate a high-performance CdZnTe detector into the device, although the architecture is also compatible with
scintillating detectors. The Phase I effort will demonstrate breadboard validation (Technology Readiness Level 4) of the novel processing architecture, leading to a commercial product that is a D-cell battery-sized detection module which can be sold directly to first responders. The companion phone/tablet app will provide accurate radiation detection, radionuclide identification, user interface display, and user control of the detection module, through either wired or wireless communication, at very low cost. The phone/tablet app will also provide reach-back with GPS for spatio-temporal mapping of radiation levels. The technology will enable more thorough and wide-spread radiation monitoring and reporting to improve public safety."
All-solid-state Battery-Ultracapacitor Hybrid Devices Based on Nanostructured Materials,W31P4Q-15-C-0005,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,2,471600.00,"Carbon Solutions, Inc",5094 Victoria Hill Drive,,Riverside,CA,92506-,Yes,No,No,Elena Bekyarova,President and CEO,(951) 522-8940,bekyarova@carbonsolution.com,Elena Bekyarova,President and CEO,(951) 522-8940,bekyarova@carbonsolution.com,"This project aims to develop solid-state hybrid energy storage devices with nanostructured electrode materials combined with an ionic liquid-based electrolyte. The main objective of Phase II is design and fabrication of a hybrid energy storage system,"
New METSAT Display Service for Weather-Ready Nation,WC-133R-14-CN-0077,DOC,NOAA,SBIR,2014,1,94117.00,Carr Astronautics,6404 Ivy Lane,Suite 333,Greenbelt,MD,20770-,No,No,No,James Carr,President,(301) 220-7340,jcarr@carrastro.com,Robert Gillespie,Engineering Manager,(301) 220-7340,rgillespie@carrastro.com,"NOAA has identified a problem with the display and usability of satellite imagery on NWS websites. This proposal provides analysis of the feasibility and usability of a proposed system to address this concern. Our goal in the project is to create a heuristically sound conceptual design and tool set for display and interaction with satellite imagery on the NWS site. The project will also explore possible components for the integration and presentation of weather satellite imagery, other important weather data and information as well examine the processing tools necessary to achieve the end user functionality desired in the solicitation. The work will include a proof of concept demonstration for NOAA and will culminate in an operational concept model."
"Modeling of interior nozzle flows for transient effects, realistic high performance nozzle physics and coupling to Large Eddy Simulation modeling of t",N68335-14-C-0047,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79995.00,Cascade Technologies Incorporated,2445 Faber Place,#100,Palo Alto,CA,-,No,No,No,Donna Carrig,CFO,(650) 521-0243,carrig@cascadetechnologies.com,Hung Le,General Manager,(650) 521-0243,hle@cascadetechnologies.com,"The objective of the present proposal is to develop and apply accurate, robust and cost-effective methodologies for the prediction of the interior nozzle flow, seamlessly coupled with high-fidelity large eddy simulation (LES) for the prediction of the jet plume and radiated noise. The simulations will be performed in the massively-parallel unstructured LES framework developed at Cascade Technologies, using our flagship compressible solver""Charles"". In Phase I and I option, the proposed tasks focuses on near-wall adaptive mesh refinement, synthetic inflow turbulence and wall modeling inside the nozzle. In particular, the wall model will significantly reduce the computational cost by relaxing the grid resolution requirements in near-wall region inside the nozzle. In addition, physics-based mesh refinement and adaptation will be implemented. This automatic meshing approach has the potential to not only greatly simplify the meshing process and drastically reduce the burden on users, but also to improve accuracy while reducing the simulation run time. The impact of these additional modelings on the predictive capability of LES must be characterized and best practices must be developed. This proposal describes a scope of work that includes development, implementation and testing of these capabilities for complex jet configurations relevant to the Navy."
Web platform architecture for CFD simulations and real-time analysis on HPC resources,DE-SC0011260,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,Cascade Technologies Incorporated,2445 Faber Place,#100,Palo Alto,CA,-,No,No,No,Hung Le,Dr.,6505210243,hle@cascadetechnologies.com,David Philips,Dr.,6505210243,dphilips@cascadetechnologies.com,"The availability and continued growth of High Performance Computing (HPC) is opening new avenues for complex physics based software simulations. The usage of HPC is particularly important in high-fidelity Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) a branch of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of multi-physics engineering problems such as the development of more efficient and less polluting advanced energy technologies. While the usage of HPC is wide spread in LES research, its adoption in commercial industries is still hindered by inherent complexities in utilizing these software tools. Therefore, Cascade Technologies, Inc. is proposing the development of a user-friendly web-based platform for utilizing its LES software Charles in HPC environments. Charles is a code developed using turbulence modeling methodologies resulting from DOE/NNSAs Predictive Science Academic Alliance Program at Stanford University. The overarching objective of the proposed work through Phases I and II is to
develop a web platform architecture that accomplishes two goals: (1) provides immediate value to Charles usability through its support of stand-alone user interface tools and (2) creates an end-to-end simulation framework within the web interface. Initially user interface (UI) tools will tackle challenges in software deployment, simulation setup, and real time analysis. These have been identified as areas where UI tools will not only simplify the use of Charles but further enable users to take advantage of the power of LES. For example, during a simulation in progress, an innovative tool allowing the engineer to interactively inspect the intermediate results, much like a radiologist inspects MRI images, will provide greater physical insight into computations. Ultimately, combining these tools into a unified framework will allow end-to-end LES simulations and the resulting big-data to be managed with the web-platform. The architecture employed will provide a model for other HPC codes requiring improvements in usability."
Tactical Airplane Noise Reduction via Advanced Automated Computational Airframe Aft-End Integration Technologies,N68335-14-C-0417,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,80000.00,Cascade Technologies Incorporated,2445 Faber Place,#100,Palo Alto,CA,-,No,No,No,Hung Le,General Manager,(650) 521-0243,hle@cascadetechnologies.com,Guillaume Bres,Senior Research Scientist,(650) 521-0243,gbres@cascadetechnologies.com,"Cascade Technologies and its collaborators from Stanford University propose to develop an efficient and robust computational framework to optimize the aerodynamic interactions between vortices shed by designed control surfaces/devices on the airframe aft-end and the engine exhaust plume, as a mechanism to appropriately modified the jet development and reduce the radiated noise, without impacting performance. In Phase I and I Option, the proposed approach will focus on geometry and operating conditions relevant to tactical aircraft, and will be carried out in three steps: first, explore with Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations a range of enhanced jet/airframe interaction leading to substantial modification of the jet development; Second, assess with high-fidelity large eddy simulations (LES) the effectiveness of a few selected alteration of the jet plume for noise reduction. Third, iterate on the configuration within a RANS/LES optimization framework to further enhanced the jet flow field modifications for maximum noise mitigation. The specific choice, design and wind-tunnel testing of the practical devices or airframe modification necessary to achieve the optimized jet/airframe interactions would then be tackled in Phase II, in close collaboration with experimental collaborators."
Design Optimization and Analysis of Advanced Exhaust Systems,N68335-14-C-0341,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,80000.00,Cascade Technologies Incorporated,2445 Faber Place,#100,Palo Alto,CA,-,No,No,No,Hung Le,General Manager,(650) 521-0243,hle@cascadetechnologies.com,Guillaume Bres,Senior Research Scientist,(650) 521-0243,gbres@cascadetechnologies.com,"Cascade Technologies and its collaborators from the Florida State University and Stanford University propose to develop a robust computational framework to enable geometrical optimization of complex non-axisymmetric exhaust systems with controlled accuracy and low computational cost. In this framework, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) surrogates will be constructed based on extensive databases from high-fidelity large eddy simulations (LES) of the exhaust system and jet plume. The RANS surrogates will then be used to efficiently explore the design space considered. Ultimately, the final optimized configuration will be once again analyzed using the LES tools to verify the performance gains predicted by the surrogate. In addition, a companion experimental investigation will provide the basis for a detailed validation and further confidence in the computational predictions. A coordinated Phase I plan is presented, which includes experimental measurements, LES predictions and RANS optimization for a rectangular nozzle. In phase I Option, the procedure will be extended to a SERN-inspired nozzle where a ramp downstream of the rectangular nozzle exit is explicitly included in the computations and experiments. Research directions and plans are outlined for Phase II work, with focus on fluid-structure coupling, introduction of robustness principles within the optimization cycle and innovative non-intrusive techniques for exhaust internal flow measurements."
Space based Hyper-Spectral Imaging Sensor,FA8650-14-M-1717,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149968.00,"Spectrum Photonics, Inc.",2800 Woodlawn Dr.,STE #150,Honolulu,HI,96822-1862,No,No,No,Stacy Dees,Program Manager,(808) 772-2286,stacy.dees@spectrum-photonics.com,Edward Knobbe,President,(808) 748-1709,ed.knobbe@spectrum-photonics.com,"ABSTRACT: The Phase I effort will focus on a design tradeoff study to address the mission requirements and how alternate HSI sensor system designs address the requirements. These trades will include field of view and sampling rate versus target velocity within the scene, focal plane array size, number of spectral bands, spatial resolution, scanning method (e.g. Fourier Transform/scanning Fabry-Perot, Cross Dispersive Prisms, dispersive linescan) and time to capture a spectrum. The following parameters will be used as initial goals to guide the design study: spectral range of 1 - 5 microns, image size, spectral resolution (10 - 50 nm), and spectrum capture time (10 - 100 ms). The trade study will include predicted system performance. Our design trade recommendations will be developed with an objective of defining a system design capable of performing the Battlespace Awareness and Strategic Missile Warning missions at representative altitudes. The technologies for the system design will be demonstrated first as a prototype HSI system for a ground or airborne proof of concept, and ultimately as a space qualified HSI sensor for space flight test. BENEFIT: The proposed system comprises a space hosted HSI sensor for Battlespace Awareness (BA), capable of targeting dynamic events and/or energetic battlefield objects (missiles, bomb blasts, aircraft, artillery fire) via a space-based HSI surveillance system. The product hardware will be compatible with ground and/or air based proof of concept, with system attributes to be cognizant of space qualified flight issues. The sensor hardware will address only the sensor system, but be capable of integration into the larger system foreoptics."
Low-cost Multi-spectral Infrared Sensor for Mobile Footprint Detection,HSHQDC-14-C-00019,DHS,DHS,SBIR,2014,1,99964.46,"Spectrum Photonics, Inc.",2800 Woodlawn Dr.,STE #150,Honolulu,HI,96822-1862,No,No,No,Edward Knobbe,President,(808) 748-1709,ed.knobbe@spectrum-photonics.com,Edward T. Knobbe,President,(808) 748-1709,ed.knobbe@spectrum-photonics.com,"Spectrum Photonics will utilize our 20 years of experience in developing and employing multi-spectral disturbed earth sensors to develop a vehiclemounted, low-cost mobile footprint detector. To meet the specifications described in the SBIR topic, our team will develop a multi-spectral long wave infrared sensor that will exploit the restrstrahlen effect for the silicate-based soils that dominate the southern border between the United States and Mexico. The sensor will operate while integrated onto a vehicle moving up to 25 mph in both daytime and nighttime conditions. The sensor is intended to be cost-effective with a targeted price of $1,000 per installed device. Our project will focus on the design, development and demonstration of a prototype mobile footprint detection system, with the end result being a final technical report that includes demonstration results, demonstration anomalies (e.g., not conducted at desired speed or rugged environment), anticipated costs, and proposed Phase II solutions to address resulting shortcomings and demonstration anomaly issues."
Multi-Function Wand Commercialization- CRPP,D14PC00207,DHS,DHS,SBIR,2014,2,224992.10,Spectral Labs Incorporated,12265 World Trade Drive,Ste E,San Diego,CA,92128-3771,No,No,No,Eric Ackermann,Executive Vice President,(858) 451-0539,ackermanne@spectrallabs.com,James H. Winso,,(858) 451-0540,winsoj@spectrallabs.com,"This Spectral Labs Incorporated proposal is for the commercialization of the MultiFunction Wand (MFW) technology developed in a FY10.2 SBIR
Phase II program. The MFW full body screening tool will be repackaged into a tool suitable for resolving detections from other systems in a screening
environment. The outcome of this program will be six Test Units capable of undergoing government testing in operational environments. The
technology is intended to fill a defined TSA need and will have applications in other security screening environments."
Biologically-inspired low light integrated vision systems,FA8651-14-C-0107,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,749998.00,"Centeye, Inc.",4905 Reno Road NW,,Washington,DC,-,No,No,No,Geoffrey L. Barrows,President,(202) 238-9545,geof@centeye.com,Geoffrey L. Barrows,President,(202) 238-9545,geof@centeye.com,"ABSTRACT: Our objective is to develop a vision system for a micro air vehicle (MAV) or other robotic system that allows it to operate in extremely low light levels, including in zero light conditions and without reliance on GPS. We propose building two systems. The first system will operate primarily in the visible and NIR domain and utilize silicon based photoreceptor circuits. This system will have the option of using active illumination (when the specific application allows) and be capable of operating from""daylight to no light"". The second system will be operate primarily in the SWIR spectrum to respond to nocturnal ambient airglow illumination, and will use a hybridized vision sensor optimized for sensitivity. Both systems will meet the strict SWAP requirements for integration into MAV platforms. In addition to answering fundamental research questions, we will prototype flyable sensors that we will then incorporate onto small quadrotor platforms for indoor flight tests. BENEFIT: The resulting visual systems will enable air vehicles and robotic platforms in general to operate in extremely low light levels on the order of tens of photons per pixel per second or less. The final system will be light enough for use on micro- or nano-air vehicles. Sample anticipated applications include: 1) Enabling air or ground vehicles to operate stealthily in an indoor environment, including deep inside caves, tunnels, pipes, or other structures. 2) Enabling air vehicles to operate at night, using only starlight or airglow for ambient illumination, including underneath forest canopies or deep in urban canyons. 3) Stealthy operation in pure dark environments, by allowing active illumination with only a minimal amount of illumination provided by the platform. We anticipate the resulting technology to be useful to both the military and civilian customers."
Low Cost Manufacturing of Vector Velocity Sensors,N00014-14-C-0038,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,495789.00,"TRS Ceramics, Inc.",PA,,State College,PA,16801-7548,No,No,No,Wesley Hackenberger,President,(814) 238-7485,wes@trstechnologies.com,Raffi Sahul,Director of Business and,(814) 238-7485,raffi@trstechnologies.com,"Towed array vector sensors are important for US submarine capability in terms of reducing the left right ambiguity. Current towed array vector sensors use particle velocity sensors or accelerometers combined with hydrophones to achieve this performance. Lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) single crystals are used for their high sensitivity. TRS Technologies is a leading manufacturer of PMN-PT piezoelectric single crystals. In the Phase I Base program, TRS Technologies demonstrated various manufacturing methodologies to achieve cost effective fabrication of single crystals for vector velocity sensors that are applicable to other similar naval devices. In Phase II, TRS will develop single crystal based sensor modules, substructures or finished components for the vector sensor device. TRS has currently extensive knowledge for fabrication and assembly of single crystal actuators and transducer devices and combined with the automation expertise that will be added through this program, we will significantly reduce the cost of vector sensors to the US Navy."
Novel Process for Biomass Conversion,DE-SC0011389,DOE,DOE,SBIR,2014,1,224997.03,"Technology Holding, LLC",4552 S THOUSAND OAK DR,,Salt Lake City,UT,-,No,No,No,Mukund Karanjikar,Dr.,(281) 217-3471,mukund@tekholding.com,Mukund Karanjikar,Dr.,(281) 217-3471,mukund@tekholding.com,"The global GDP has gone up from $38 Trillion in 2000 to $60 Trillion in 2009. Price increase in consumer products is directly proportional to rate of growth of global GDP. Fatty acids form the basic building blocks of skincare as well as personal hygiene consumer products. Within the last decade, fatty acid prices have more than quadrupled. Fatty acids with carbon range of C8 to C12 are produced from coconut oil. More than 85% of global coconut oil is produced in Indonesia, Philippines and India. The United States is entirely dependent upon these countries for imports. Moreover, there is no additional land availability in these countries to accommodate the market growth. C8 to C12 fatty acids can be converted to gasoline and jet fuel via commercial processes. Thus, a combination of limited supply and continued demand growth necessitates alternative sources of these fatty acids. Current approaches of phototrophic conversion suffer from numerous challenges including photobioreactor design and unfavorable process economics. Technology Holding LLC in collaboration with University of Wisconsin GLBRC (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) proposes a novel process to produce intermediate chain fatty acids from lignocellulosic biomass. These fatty acids are feedstock for consumer products as well as pre-cursors for infrastructure compatible jet fuel. The proposed process utilizes metabolically engineered E. coli bacteria to ferment biomass-derived sugars to fatty acids. The team will demonstrate techno-economic feasibility and scale-up. The proposed innovation, upon commercialization, will enable domestic manufacturing of these high value fatty acids, reduction in imports, reduction in greenhouse gas impact and creation of jobs."
Novel Bioprocess for Spider Silk Fiber Production,W911NF-14-P-0010,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,1,99971.00,"Technology Holding, LLC",4552 S THOUSAND OAK DR,,Salt Lake City,UT,-,No,No,No,Anant Samudra,Manager,(801) 953-1047,avsamudra@tekholding.com,Mukund Karanjikar,Innovation Manager,(281) 217-3471,mukund@tekholding.com,"The majority of the US petrochemicals industry is dependent upon petroleum crude or natural gas as raw materials. The excessive dependence on foreign energy resources poses a threat to the energy security of the nation. Materials produced from fossil sources also have a negative impact on the environment. Nylon (Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6) is a major product of the petrochemical industry. The total Nylon demand in 2010 was 6.5 MMTPA growing at 4-6% in the past four years. It is imperative to develop alternative options for textile materials, automotive and other industrial uses that are currently being catered by nylon. Such new fibers can be renewable, offer better properties and be able be produced domestically at industrial scales. Spider silk (dragline silk) offers an excellent opportunity for domestic manufacturing. A novel process to produce spider silk proteins using metabolically engineered E. coli and fiber spinning from aqueous solution is proposed. The primary objective of the proposed innovation is to demonstrate techno-economic feasibility of producing spider silk fibers."
Oriented Enzymatic Electrodes with Enhanced Charge Transfer,W911NF-14-C-0017,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,377246.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Sameer Singhal,"Director, Biomedical&Energy Tech",(256) 327-0664,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"Our objective is to significantly increase the electron transfer efficiency of the enzyme-catalyzed reactions at electrodes and thereby establish a new state-of-the-art power source for military and commercial systems. The approach is to develop a novel method for orienting enzymes immobilized onto the electrode surface that results in facilitated charge transfer. The proposed bio-electrode technology will be integrated into enzymatic fuel cell (EFC) that leverages ongoing research at both CFDRC and the University of New Mexico (UMN) to provide a fully-integrated, manufacturable and renewable power supply. In Phase I, we have demonstrated the use of both tethering and orientation agents for the cathode side of the device. We have combined this with our existing (non-oriented) enzymatic anode and EFC test hardware to evaluate the technology. In Phase II, we will extend the orientation methods to the anode side of the device as well as further optimizing the cathode and developing the fully-integrated EFC system. The functional prototype will be demonstrated as a portable military low-power source. A multi-disciplinary team with proven expertise in electrochemical power sources, bio-microsystems, bio-electrochemistry, and system design has been assembled to accomplish these goals."
An Integrated Human Test Surrogate to Assess Injury Risk and Measure Non-Lethal Exposure,M67854-14-C-6501,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79857.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,D. Sedberry,Test Engineer,(256) 726-4800,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"The goal of this project is to design, develop, and delivery a human test surrogate for non-lethal testing, injury risk assessment, and validation of software inputs at the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Program for the Navy. An existing CFDRC surrogate will be used as a starting point to create a modular design capable of measuring exposure sources such as blast overpressure, light, RF/EM, chemical, and kinetic energy impact over a time period. In phase I, a modular design will be integrated with a wide range of sensors to be used in the experimental testing on the human surrogate. The electronics layout and sensor suite will be designed for""plug and play""use. A modular instrument-ready surrogate head will be delivered at the end of Phase 1 for feedback, feasibility, and initial evaluation by JNLWP. Phase II will consist of improving on the original design for the modular test surrogate and integrate a full torso and neck capable of housing a wide range of sensors for experiments. This test surrogate will feature the very latest in sensor technologies and modular design to allow for rapid testing of non-lethal weapons and sources. The aim is to keep costs of the test surrogate low by using a modular approach and allow for multiple test surrogates to be used during future testing."
Aqueous Based Fire Suppression for Military Vehicle Crew Compartments,M67854-14-C-6504,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79966.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Matthew Thomas,VP Propulsion and Power,(256) 726-4800,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"Recent tests have shown 80% improvement in closed compartment fire-suppression and post burn protection is achievable by implementing induction charging into aqueous based automatic fire extinguishing systems. CFDRC will capitalize on these results to provide military tactical vehicles with an aqueous based fire suppression alternative to oxygen displacement. Phase I will focus on: 1. Implementation of an induction charged aqueous based fire suppression system into a heavily instrumented prototype MTVR military vehicle compartment capable of quantifying crew casualty/injury levels over a 5 minute period; and 2. Test and evaluation of crew casualty/injury protection upon vehicle compartment exposure to external (explosion/fire outside crew compartment) and internal fires (via Field Expedient Molotov cocktail entry through ceiling hatch). The Phase I test matrix includes examination of multiple fire energy levels, aqueous supply levels, and suppressant discharge event sequences to focus and define R & D efforts for technology transition into Marine Corps tactical vehicles. Approximately 100 heavily instrumented fire suppression test events will be completed and assessed by our team (Defense Contractors, Fire Research Institutes, Equipment Manufacturers, etc.). The option program will focus on cost/benefit assessment regarding quantifying chemical compositions, and crew casualty/injury outcomes relative to existing oxygen displacement systems. During Phase II CFDRC will manufacture several working prototypes while validating all test instrumentation and techniques required for Marine Corps field performance certification and qualification."
Portable Prime Power for Directed Energy Weapons,M67854-14-C-6508,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79921.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Matthew Thomas,VP Propulsion and Power,(256) 726-4800,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"As mobile solid-state RF and millimeter wave sources continue to revolutionize non-lethal weapons there is a growing requirement for small, light-weight, prime power systems capable of producing large amounts of power in very short but numerous timeframes. Phase I will focus on defining how our proposed prime power system will meet or exceed the following performance metrics: 1) power output between 150 kW and 250 kW; 2) JP8 fueled; 3) fuel efficiency of 210 kW/kg; 4) wide ambient operating conditions; 5) total weight less than 250 lbs; 6) output voltage of 345 VDC; 7) power volume density greater than 36 kW/ft3; and 8) power weight density greater than 400W/lb. Our baseline generator head efficiency currently exceeds 96 percent efficiency and each power system component/assembly has been certified for altering operation between full load for 5 minutes and quarter load for 55 minutes over a 4 hour duty cycle. The feasibility for our proposed turbine to meet the ADT and RF system power requirements defined above will be compared to conventional motor generator sets and rotating storage machines. Our ultimate concept definition will include specific power density tradeoffs in watts per pound, architecture tradeoffs to minimize volume, and average power capability as a function of ambient conditions. A comprehensive Phase II development plan with performance goals and key technical milestones that address critical technical risk reduction issues will be prepared. During Phase II a working prototype of the selected concept will be demonstrated with the appropriate prime power system trade-offs identified in preparation for Phase III transition through Joint Non-Lethal Weapons and other Program Office sponsorship."
A General Solver Framework for Radiative Heat Transfer Models in Combustion Systems,FA8650-14-M-2510,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149905.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Ranjan Mehta,Principal Engineer,(256) 726-4964,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"Modern combustion systems such as liquid rocket engines and gas turbines are characterized by high operating pressures and temperatures due to increased power-density. Thermal radiation has significant impact on both heat fluxes at the wall and on physical phenomena controlling the combustion process at these conditions. Coupling between radiation, turbulence and chemistry can have a large effect on the net radiative fluxes and heat loss from the flames. The objective of this SBIR project is to develop a general, computationally efficient, high-accuracy numerical tool to model radiation in combustion systems. CFDRC and University of California, Merced will assess the existing radiative transfer equation (RTE) solution methods as well as radiative property models for participating media including combustion gases and particulates such as soot. In Phase I, the various RTE solver methods and radiative property models will be assessed in canonical configurations such as jet flames and complex configurations such as scramjet combustors and supercritical rocket engines. Radiation modeling tools will be analyzed for their computational cost, accuracy, and strengths and weaknesses for Air Force relevant flow and combustion regimes. In Phase II, the model improvements will be implemented and validated and a stand-alone RTE solver framework will be built and demonstrated on CFD codes of interest to the Air Force."
Shoulder injury risk and exertion assessment tool,W81XWH-14-C-0034,DOD,DHP,SBIR,2014,1,149590.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Phillip Whitley,Manager,(256) 726-4800,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"Musculoskeletal injury among military personnel is an under-recognized problem where shoulder injuries are significant and result in inflammation and pain from overuse, joint derangement, sprain/stain/rupture, and dislocation. Health hazard assessment is essential to ensure that fielded equipment and occupational duties do not exceed human capabilities over short and long term exposures. Hazard assessment encompasses determination of the hazard severity and hazard probability. This effort is based on the desire to enhance health hazard assessment through the development of methodologies using injury criteria that can translate into hazard severity and probability. The purpose of this effort is to develop a shoulder injury risk and assessment tool based on shoulder joint injury criteria and task motion that incorporates an anatomically-specific shoulder joint complex into the existing CFDRC Human Model to build and demonstrate a proof of concept exposure model. Typical use cases will be developed and the integrated model will be exercised through these use case scenarios of activity load and exposure schedule. The model will be further developed into a user tool. The user tool will be exercised to develop a hazard risk assessment based on the modeled hazard severity, hazard probability, and AR 40-10 for simple vertical overhead push."
A Neck Injury Assessment Tool,WH81XWH-14-C-0003,DOD,DHP,SBIR,2014,1,149851.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Xianlian (. Zhou,Principal Scientist,(256) 726-4800,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"The overall objective of the proposed project is to develop new injury criteria, methodology, and a software tool to assess the risk of neck injury from loads sustained while wearing head supported mass (HSM). In this Phase I, we will develop an easy-to-use software which utilizes a detailed neck musculoskeletal model (scalable to the full range of male and female anthropometries) for the study of HSM loading on muscle-tendons, ligaments, cervical spines and disks and consequently prediction of injury severity and probability (in accordance to AR-40-10). We will also develop new injury criteria suited for long-exposure scenarios and select use cases to verify model prediction. Injury prediction in Phase I will focus on use cases of maintaining stationary head/neck posture under HSM of different specification (such as mass, center of gravity, accessories). In the Phase II, we will focus on improving the integrated software tool and injury prediction for dynamic activities (marching, running, jumping, diving to prone, etc.). The final developed software will be utilized by military R & D engineers and acquisition professionals to characterize the hazards endemic to the ground combat environment and evaluate head support products and recommend less hazardous designs and usage scenarios."
Physics and Physiology Based Human Body Model of Blast Injury and Protection,W81XWH-14-C-0045,DOD,DHP,SBIR,2014,1,149949.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Andrzej J. Przekwas,Senior VP Research and CTO,(256) 726-4800,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"Reports of military and civilian blast related injuries are reported daily by the media from all over the world. Limited understanding of the physics of blast-human body interaction and injury biomechanics hinder the development of protective measures. Experiments using animal models, cadavers and physical surrogates are costly, slow and mostly inadequate. We propose to develop anatomically consistent, articulated human body model and computational tools of blast physics and body injury biomechanics to enable fast and accurate simulation of blast and ballistic injury casualty estimation, and development of novel personal protective equipment. In Phase I we will design and develop a prototype simulation framework for modeling a human body anthropometry, anatomy and posture relevant for military blast exposure scenarios. A material property database base of various tissues and organs and a GUI framework will be established to enable generation of injury biomechanics models and simulations. In phase I we will conduct model validation simulations of human body responses to a free filed blast and a human sitting in a combat vehicle exposed to underbody blast. In Phase II the body model will be extended to simulate protective clothing, armor and equipment. The integrated tools and model will be validated against blast injury data, demonstrated for various blast injury scenarios and delivered to the Army."
"Fast, Anatomy and Physiology Based Computational Tool for RF-Induced Thermal Response",FA8650-14-C-6514,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,749542.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deb Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Andrzej J. Przekwas,Senior VP Research and CT,(256) 726-4800,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"ABSTRACT: Military and industrial personnel are often exposed to RF electromagnetic energy which can cause thermal and electrokinetic biological effects. To understand these effects, AFRL is using computational electromagnetic tools to predict RF energy deposition and thermal effects in humans. Unfortunately, high resolution thermal simulations are computationally very expensive. The goal of this project is to develop fast anatomy- and physiology-based computational tools for predicting whole-body and localized thermal response of tissue to RF exposure. In phase I we have developed novel adaptive Octree mesh model of a human body and a 3D high accuracy thermal solver coupled to multicompartmental model of cardiovascular blood flow, tissue perfusion and heat transport. The model was used to demonstrate fast, whole body thermal simulations for two EM SAR exposures. In phase II we will develop additional anatomical human body models, improve computational speed on parallel CPU and GPU computers and improve the accuracy and robustness of the model. The model of human cardiovascular physiology will include central and peripheral thermo-autoregulation of vascular, cardiac, respiratory responses, skin cooling as well as fatigue effects and potential impact on human performance. A professional software framework will be established with GUI for model setup, visualization and data analysis. The software will be demonstrated on fast modeling of human body thermal and physiological responses to various RF exposures encountered in military and civilian environments. BENEFIT: The integrated CEM-Thermal-Physiology modeling tools will be used by engineers and health physicists to study risks of accidental and job duty RF exposure, to design active denial systems, non lethal weapons and novel directed energy systems. The same tools will have immense civilian applications such as more powerful medical imaging and diagnostics, better hyperthermia cancer treatment, laser and cryosurgery, therapeutic hypothermia in cardiac and stroke conditions, thermal comfort analysis, transcranial EM stimulation, and others."
"A Novel, Aerodynamics-augmented Continuous Ionization System for Electrostatic Collection of Bioaerosols",W9132T-14-C-0007,DOD,CBD,SBIR,2014,2,491493.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Yi Wang,Manager,(256) 327-0678,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"Safe and efficient ionization and filtration technology compatible to biodefense applications is of paramount importance. Current ionization methods are energy-intensive, costly, prone to ozone generation, or inefficient, and consequently ill-suited for building protection applications. To overcome these limitations, we propose to develop and demonstrate a novel bioaerosol ionization and collection system for autonomous, round-the-clock air filtration and critical infrastructure protection. The proposed device harnesses advanced aerodynamics-augmented ionizer design and electrode optimization to enable significant improvement in throughput, ionization efficiency, ozone generation, and maintenance requirements and operating cost. In Phase I, key technology concepts were successfully demonstrated. Several ionizer design concepts (electrospray and bipolar ionization) were assessed using physics-based simulations, followed by state-of-the-art fabrication and engineering. Experimental testing and characterization were undertaken to demonstrate salient performance and establish proof-of-principle of the proposed technology. In Phase II, efforts will focus on design optimization, extensive experimental characterization for enhanced performance (e.g., energy consumption, collection efficiency), ease of operation, maintenance requirements, and manufacturability. The most promising ionization and collection mechanisms will be down-selected to develop a pilot-scale prototype. The prototype will be extensively demonstrated for filtering surrogate bioaerosols in a variety of operating conditions (temperature, humidity levels, particle loading etc.) at throughputs up to 2,000 CFM. A multi-disciplinary team with experience in all aspects of the proposed effort including electrostatics, microbiology, modeling and design, prototype fabrication and experimentation, systems engineering, and biodefense has been assembled to ensure successful completion of project milestones."
"An automated, high throughput, resin-free device for large scale protein purification",W911NF-14-C-0068,DOD,CBD,SBIR,2014,2,494684.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Hongjun Song,Research Engineer,(256) 726-4904,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"Protein manufacturing is of paramount importance to chemical and biological defense applications. Existing protein purification methods primarily rely on synthetic-resin based chromatography, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, expensive, and consequently, ill-suited for developing rapid countermeasures to chemical and biological threats. To overcome these limitations, the overall goal of this effort is to develop a novel high-throughput, resin-free technology for automated protein recovery and purification. Our technology is based on multi-scale electrokinetics and enables order-of-magnitude improvement in investment and operating cost. In Phase I, we designed, fabricated, characterized, and demonstrated a pilot-scale prototype to establish proof-of-principle of the proposed technology. The designs of the purification device were first evaluated using high-fidelity, multi-physics simulations, followed by prototype fabrication and engineering. The assembled prototypes were extensively tested and salient protein purification performance similar to the traditional resin based methods was demonstrated, but with the benefits of resin-free operation, reduced analysis time, ease of operation, and significantly lower cost. In Phase II, design optimization and protocol refinement will be carried out for enhanced performance, manufacturability, and cost effectiveness. The most promising purification mechanisms will be selected for device scale up and integration with COTS technologies. The integrated prototype will be demonstrated for purification of DoD-relevant proteins in composite samples from various expression systems. The Phase II end-product will be a fully automated, high throughput and low cost system for rapid protein purification, which will be commercialized to meet the needs in both military and civilian markets."
"High-efficiency, Radiation-hardened GaN HEMT based L-band Space Power Amplifier",FA9453-14-M-0085,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149989.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Ashok Raman,Principal Engineer,(256) 726-4981,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"ABSTRACT: An important objective for the Air Force is to reduce the operational costs of GPS satellite systems via higher efficiency electronics, such as power amplifiers. In this project, CFDRC, in collaboration with Vanderbilt University/ISDE and a leading GaN device manufacturer, propose a complementary experimental and modeling-based approach to develop a Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) for L-band GPS applications based on an innovative GaN HEMT design offering higher efficiency, radiation tolerance, and bandwidth. Gallium-Nitride (GaN) high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) offer excellent electrical characteristics for high-power RF applications. Coupled with their reported total dose hardness, this makes GaN HEMTs a promising successor technology to GaAs for space-based power electronics. However, important design and characterization challenges remain towards demonstrating reliability and long-term operation in GPS environments. In Phase I, we will utilize a commercial 0.25 and 0.5-µm GaN HEMT technology offering high efficiency and bandwidth, and perform X-ray and proton-irradiation testing of discrete HEMTs. We will then perform detailed TCAD simulations to identify and verify physical mechanisms behind observed radiation response (total-ionizing-dose and displacement damage), and validate against data. Subsequently, we will investigate geometry and material-based GaN HEMT design modifications for improved radiation hardness. In Phase II, we will primarily focus on the HEMT-based L-band SSPA design, analyses, and optimization to meet GPS specifications, via extensive RF simulations, prototype fabrication, and detailed electrical/radiation characterization. Active participation by the GaN device manufacturer will ensure superior, space-qualified, L-band RF SSPA for Air Force GPS applications. BENEFIT: GaN-based devices and circuits are very promising for power electronics applications from power conditioning to microwave amplifiers and transmitters. Front-end applications are also interesting due to the intrinsic robustness and survivability of GaN HEMTs coupled with reasonable noise figures. Satellite communications, high-performance radars, and ground base stations represent target system applications. Due to their wide bandwidth operation, high output power and power density, thermal tolerance, and high breakdown voltages, GaN HEMTs can target applications that are not readily realizable with other device technologies. Engineers using GaN devices in circuit applications would profit greatly from the ability to model device performance under varying operating conditions, especially in adverse space radiation environments. The advanced, L-band SSPA design and cost-effective predictive simulation tools developed through this effort will greatly benefit all Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) contractors and associated DoD programs involved with developing space-oriented electronics (GPS, Space Radar, Space Tracking and Surveillance Systems). The simulation tools will also benefit manufacturers of commercial satellite electronics, including wide-band communication, satellite TV, phone, GPS, and other GaN-based RF solutions for high performance applications in the communications, industrial and scientific markets."
High Performance Gelled DACS for Small Missiles,FA8651-14-M-0154,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149918.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Mark Ostrander,Group Leader,(256) 726-4876,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"ABSTRACT: The Air Force is considering the incorporation of a small, lightweight divert and attitude control system (DACS) into current and future air-to-air missile platforms. This will increase the agility of the missile and allow for interception of faster, or more maneuverable targets. CFDRC believes that a small DACS employing gelled MON25/MMH as the propellants and utilizing an innovative chamber and nozzle design provides the highest performance capability to meet this objective. This approach has significantly greater specific impulse and better energy management characteristics than a solid propellant-based system. Gelling of the propellants will create near insensitive munitions qualities. In Phase I, CFDRC will perform a preliminary design of the thruster chamber and size the propellant feed system to support the requirements. In Phase II, CFDRC will build on its extensive gelled propellant and testing expertise to fabricate and test the workhorse thrust chamber. In Phase III, CFDRC will work with missile and propulsion primes to incorporate this technology into a flight demonstration program. BENEFIT: This technology will be suitable for inclusion as potential block upgrades for both the AIM-9 and AMRAAM weapons systems. These are high-volume production systems, and the market potential is significant. With demonstration of safe characteristics of gelled propulsion system, other market avenues will open in the DoD sphere of operations, such as primary propulsion on other Navy and Army missile systems. Safe""storable""propellants will also be of interest to the commercial space market, for use in station keeping and attitude control thrusters."
"Physics-based, Fast-Running Tool for Fuel Spurt Modeling from HRAM",FA2487-14-C-0194,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149860.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,H. Q. Yang,Chief Scientist,(256) 726-4824,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"ABSTRACT: CFDRC propose the development and validation of a physics-based, fast-running tool to quantify fuel spurt timing, volume, and droplet size from impact on fuel tanks. In Phase I we will develop models that will capture the critical physics of each sub-phase of HRAM, i.e. projectile dynamics including tumbling, cavitation, its growth and collapse, high pressure pulses, and spray atomization. This will be accomplished by adapting an existing multiphysics and multiphase fluid-structure interaction code and by validating against available and new experimental data provided by our experimental partner. Also in Phase I, we will improve the simulation efficiency through developing a reduced order model for each phase of HRAM. Our approach not only represents the real physics, but also enables the simulation of different threat and tank characteristics. Phase II will fully develop the simulation tool demonstrated in Phase I, and will conduct controlled experiments to quantify the fuel spurt. The refined tool will be validated on typical fuel tank with internal stiffening structure and clutter components as encountered in aircraft. Various model reduction technologies will be used to improve computational efficiency while maintaining the required accuracy of at least 90%. Additionally, an appropriate interface module will be developed to interface the simulation tool with various simulation environments at the Air Force. BENEFIT: The successful completion of this SBIR will provide the Air Force and DoD with the capability for rapidly evaluating fire ignition in complicated aircraft (and other vehicle) dry-bays and compartments under various HRAM scenarios. Although most past efforts have been aimed at protecting military aircraft, the developed tool also finds many applications in commercial aircraft, which are at risk due to high velocity fragments produced by engine failure, or even runway debris as in the case of Concorde 203 F-BTSC that crashed after takeoff from Paris. Another application is in the venerability assessment of Space Launch Systems under development at NASA, which use cryogenic liquid fuel. The fast-running and high-fidelity code can be commercialized for applications in all commercial and military air, ground, and sea vehicles that have fluid-filled fuel tanks."
Laser Ignition for Large Scale Combustion Air Heaters,FA9101-14-M-0010,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149797.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Matthew Thomas,Vice President,(256) 726-4818,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"ABSTRACT: A Comprehensive assessment and rigorous documentation of a customized fiber optic coupled laser system as the ignition system within the Aerodynamic and Propulsion Test Unit (APTU) Combustion Air Heater (CAH) at AEDC is proposed. CFDRC will leverage prior successful gas turbine, rocket and cannon laser ignition implementation efforts and expertise to optimize laser energy and multiplexing requirements, Q-switching specifications, beam quality and focal point locations(s) for robust laser based ignition of the AEDC APTU CAH. Phase I effort will include: 1. Analytical comparison between the existing and our laser ignition process within the APTU CAH using conventional and high fidelity numerical analysis; 2. Rigorous description and specification of the required commercial laser hardware and customized software to be employed in developing and demonstrating a working system; 3. Conceptual design of an integrated system within with the APTU CAH combustion chamber and swirler cup assembly in the place of the existing hydrogen / air torches; and 4. Assessment of the system in a combustion diagnostics mode. The proposed evaluation of the ignition event, flame propagation and stabilization process within the APTU CAH will be critical to definition of an improved and increased safety based process for bringing the APTU CAH on line during routine wind tunnel testing events. Phase II will focus on building and demonstrating an operational prototype laser ignition system using flowing air as the oxidizer and atomized liquid isobutane as the fuel at pressures ranges from ambient to 50 psia. BENEFIT: This laser ignition system will be customized for implementation within the""slave""combustion process and be immediately suitable for implementation within numerous boiler applications. The proposed laser and optics technologies could provide the breakthroughs necessary to revolutionize combustion chamber ignition in numerous military and commercial internal combustion and gas turbine engine applications. CFDRC""s working relationships with numerous government labs, commercial laser equipment manufacturers and most engine and boiler equipment manufacturers assures rapid Phase III commercialization."
An Integrated Field-deployable Nanofluidic Sequencing Platform for Polypeptides,W911SR-14-C-0026,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,1,99805.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Hongjun Song,Research Engineer,(256) 327-5294,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"Automated, fieldable polypeptide sequencing is a critical need for enhanced biodetection and disease protection. Existing polypeptide sequencing methods are time-consuming, bulky, labor-intensive, costly, and consequently ill-suited for field deployment."
LONGLIFE Battery for Electronic Health Monitoring,W31P4Q-14-C-0103,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,1,99968.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Sameer Singhal,"Director, Biomedical&Energy Tech",(256) 726-4833,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"The U.S. Army is seeking a long life energy solution that delivers high energy density, good reliability, long shelf-life, and improved safety for monitoring the health of electronic components in remote and sometime harsh locations. Current batteries can only deliver limited lifetime (perhaps 5 years) upon discharge, while our proposed technology has the ability to deliver more energy for extended duration (up to 20 years) with enhanced safety and reliability. The proposed battery will also be less sensitive to temperature, making it operational across the desired -55C to +125C temperature range. In Phase I, we will demonstrate a solid-state battery, named LONGLIFE, employing high capacity electrodes and inorganic solid electrolyte. The battery utilizes existing high capacity electrodes developed by CFDRC for long shelf-life Thermal Batteries. We will focus on evaluating both feasibility of the concept and operational capacity of the device by i) synthesizing the solid electrolyte, ii) fabricating the high capacity electrodes, iii) assembling the cell and electrochemical testing of the battery, and iv) computational modeling to predict the lifetime across the desired temperature and discharge rate operating space. The LONGLIFE battery will be a safe, reliable solution providing sufficient energy for ultra-long duration applications."
Novel Cathodes for High Capacity Thermal Battery,W31P4Q-14-C-0102,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,1,99900.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Pyoungho Choi,Senior Engineer,(256) 726-4911,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"The current state of the art thermal battery technologies will not be able to meet future requirements that call for higher power and capacity with a smaller footprint. The principal avenue for increasing the capacity of thermal battery is to identify and develop new electrode materials that provide higher specific capacity and power performance. The overall objective of the proposed effort is to develop (design, fabricate, test and demonstrate) novel cathode materials for thermal battery with high single cell potential (>2.5V), high energy density (>1,000 Wh/kg cathode) with current density more than 0.5 A/cm2. In Phase I, we will utilize a judicious combination of experimentation and knowledge of thermal battery systems to establish proof-of-concept for the newly proposed cathode material. CFDRC-developed thermal battery research laboratory, experimental hardware and protocols will be leveraged for the cathode technology development. We will focus on the characterization and demonstration of the proposed thermal battery with novel cathodes through: (1) design and synthesis of cathode materials, (2) development of high voltage electrolytes, (3) fabrication of custom experimental testing cells, and (4) electrochemical testing and characterization of the proposed thermal battery."
A Design Automation Tool for Integrated Nanophotonics based on Compact Modeling and Model Order Reduction,FA9550-14-C-0031,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,1,149989.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Yi Wang,Manager,(256) 327-0678,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"Existing physics-based device simulation tools are prohibitively expensive computationally, and therefore ill-suited for parametric analysis and design optimization of photonic integrated circuits (PIC). The proposed effort aims to develop and demonstrate an innovative, easy-to-use simulation tool for accurate, fast circuit/system analysis of PICs. The salient aspects of the proposed solution are: (1) mathematically rigorous compact modeling and model order reduction (MOR) techniques bridge the gap between high-fidelity device simulation and existing EDA environment, and significantly accelerate the circuit/system simulation for large-scale PICs; (2) compact and reduced order models are automatically derived from first principle-based, high-fidelity device simulation to retain the analysis accuracy and predictive capabilities; and (3) a modular software framework to automate the entire simulation process and seamless integration to EDA tools. In Phase I, a data interface to photonic device simulation, a compact modeling module, a MOR engine encapsulating carefully chosen algorithms, and a ROM assembler for circuit/system simulation will be developed in an integrated environment. Feasibility will be demonstrated by case studies of DoD interest, in which a verification circuit will be selected and designed using the developed software. Its computational performance (e.g., accuracy, speed, reliability, and integrability to existing tools) will be assessed. The Phase II effort will focus on enhancing computational engine, optimizing software architecture, user-interface, and integration, and extensive validation and demonstration using fabricated circuits."
Whole-body Anthropometric Design Models for Protective Equipment Design,W911QY-14-C-0030,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,2,494608.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Xianlian (. Zhou,Principal Scientist,(256) 726-4800,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,The goal of this proposal is to develop whole-body anthropometric
Low Cost Opaque Armor Material and Manufacturing for Non Standard Commercial Vehicles,H92222-15-P-0002,DOD,SOCOM,SBIR,2014,1,149119.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4806,dap@cfdrc.com,Matthew Thomas,VP Propulsion and Power,(256) 726-4818,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"A novel composite structure based low cost opaque armor material and associated manufacturing/installation method are proposed. This process offers immediate field upgrade potential to Non Standard Commercial Vehicles (NSCV) capable of advancing into denied areas while operating indistinguishably from indigenous platforms. Our innovative armor installation procedure has already been shown to increase ballistic efficiency, limit damage to adjacent vehicle areas and withstand multiple impacts with minimal performance degradation in a related armor protection application. The proposed unique composite structure has also demonstrated robust and absolute spall protection as a result of its inherent fragment capture capability within its hybrid matrix. Phase I will focus on: 1) Completing a feasibility study to establish our proposed technology offers immediate ultra low field upgrade cost with minimum vehicle weight increase while providing maximum protection against virtually all NSCV threats; 2) Defining manufacturing and field installation processes in terms of weight, space, cost, visual signature, threat performance and functionality; 3) Rigorous comparison of this solution against current standard armoring solutions; and 4) Documenting the pros and cons of this innovative armor in a NSCV. During Phase II large scale production cost, cycle time and integration burden will be fully quantified. This will be followed by independent demonstration that our proposed technology exceeds all desired customer performance requirements."
Novel Cathodes for High Power Thermal Battery,N68936-14-C-0098,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79861.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deb Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Pyoungho Choi,Sr. Engr.,(256) 726-4800,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"The current state of the art thermal battery technologies will not be able to meet future requirements that call for higher power and capacity with a smaller footprint. The principal avenue for increasing the pulsed power density of thermal battery is to identify and develop new electrode materials that provide higher specific capacity and power performance. The overall objective of the proposed effort is to develop (design, fabricate, test and demonstrate) novel cathode materials for a thermal battery with high power and single cell potential (>2.5V) with current density more than 0.5 A/cm2 and pulse current more than 6.0 A/cm2. In Phase I, we will utilize a judicious combination of experimentation and knowledge of thermal battery systems to establish proof-of-concept for the newly proposed cathode material. CFDRC-developed thermal battery research laboratory, experimental hardware and protocols will be leveraged for the cathode technology development. We will focus on the characterization and demonstration of the proposed thermal battery with novel cathodes through: (1) design and synthesis of cathode materials, (2) development of high voltage electrolytes, (3) fabrication of custom experimental testing cells, and (4) electrochemical testing and characterization of the proposed thermal battery."
A Real-Time Analysis Tool based on Surrogate Models for Accurate Prediction of Combined Flight External Loads,FA9302-14-M-0004,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149921.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Yi Wang,Manager,(256) 726-4915,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"ABSTRACT: The proposed effort aims to develop and demonstrate an innovative real-time tool for accurate, rapid analysis and prediction of combined external loads using non-proprietary physics-based models and existing flight-test data as the starting point. The salient aspects of the proposed solution are: (1) mathematically formal multivariate regression and surrogate modeling techniques to enable accurate, real-time load prediction; (2) a novel data fusion approach to accommodate and combine data from various sources to update and enhance prediction, (3) input selection/screening to identify primary load-driving parameters; and (3) a modular software framework to facilitate seamless integration with the USAF-designated tool (IADS) into AF real-time control room environment. In Phase I, key components, including a surrogate model module, a data fusion module, an input selection & sensitivity analysis module, and a real-time load prediction engine will be developed. Feasibility will be demonstrated via multiple case studies of USAF interest, in which physics-based models, wind tunnel data, and flight test data will be analyzed using the developed software and its performance (e.g., accuracy, speed, reliability, and integrability to existing tools) will be assessed. The Phase II effort will focus on capability extension, algorithm optimization, IADS integration, and extensive software validation and technology demonstration. BENEFIT: The proposed simulation technology will be of value in military (Air Force, Army, MDA, etc.), NASA, and civilian sectors. The tool will serve as a technology backbone specifically meeting the needs of Air Force Test Center (AFTC) for prediction of combined static and dynamic external loads using non-proprietary physics-based models and existing flight-test data in a real-time environment. It delivers flight test engineers and aircraft design engineers a valuable tool to: (1) determine, on-the-fly, the condition of external loads and their effects on flight state; (2) quickly screen and identify the primary parameters contributing to load generation and measurement-prediction difference for flight test diagnostics and planning; (3) combine data from various sources to update and improve the model prediction; and (4) design advanced, reliable control strategies for developing high-performance aircrafts and vehicles. The success in the proposed research will markedly enhance the flight test analysis, assessment, and decision-making capabilities of USAF. Among non-DoD applications, the proposed software will find use in various engineering sectors, including NASA, automobile, combustion, power and aerospace industry, chemical plants, biomedical, among others. The product would directly contribute to these vital areas by enabling accurate, real-time, parametric analysis and prediction capabilities, which can be used in (1) efficient simulation for concept evaluation and optimized design with dramatically shorter turnaround time; (2) on-field system diagnostics and troubleshooting, (3) sensitivity analysis and correlation identification of system parameters; and (4) proper design and arrangement of test procedures for rational use of instruments and facilities."
CAPSA: Controlling Access using Proximity-focused Semantic Analysis,FA8750-14-C-0232,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,749937.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Michael Lee,Principal Engineer,(256) 726-4812,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"ABSTRACT: Establishing adequate access controls that limit access to information without adversely denying access is critically needed by our warfighters in today""s complex battlefield environment. To address this need, CFDRC is developing an innovative method called CAPSA (Controlling Access using Proximity-focused Semantic Analysis) for granting access based on a user""s proximity to information. By leveraging CFDRC""s existing technology for numerically quantifying information relevance using fuzzy logic techniques based on the semantic web, CAPSA provides a flexible method of determining proximity. CAPSA avoids a ridged definition of proximity, allowing it to identify proximity beyond the spatial, organizational, and operational realms. In Phase I, a demonstration version of CAPSA was developed to show the feasibility of the Proximity Metric calculation and its use in determining access to information. During the Phase II, this metric will be enhanced and optimized to utilize more proximity information from different original sources. A full prototype will be developed and integrated into several military systems including AFRL""s Phoenix architecture to demonstrate and fine-tune CAPSA. Additionally, CAPSA will be validated by evaluating it with real-world data. Throughout the Phase II, CFDRC will ensure the design and development of the CAPSA technology is compatible with all relevant DoD standards, security, certification processes, and procedures. BENEFIT: The proximity-based access control solution developed under this project, called CAPSA (Controlling Access using Proximity-focused Semantic Analysis), will be greatly beneficial to the Air Force and the rest of DoD in addressing identity and access management concerns in future military cloud environments. Specifically, CAPSA""s semantic-based approach to access control allows it to examine multiple types of proximity and find non-obvious connections between a user and the information they attempt to access. CFDRC""s commercialization strategy is focused in three areas. First, CFDRC will develop and market the CAPSA technology for the Air Force. During Phase II, CFDRC will integrate CAPSA into AFRL""s Phoenix Prime software to demonstrate its capabilities and fine-tune its Proximity Metric, which numerically evaluates the user""s proximity to information. After the Phase II, CFDRC will continue to support Phoenix Prime by integrating CAPSA""s ability to detect insider threats based on semantic analysis. The second focus is to market the CAPSA technology to potential military customers. In Phase III, CFDRC will integrate CAPSA into other military systems and provide consulting on incorporating new proximity types. Lockheed Martin has already indicated its customers have expressed interest in the CAPSA technology. The last focus is to market the CAPSA technology to providers of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) solutions and demonstrate how CAPSA can provide accurate access control in the dynamically changing team-based environments of hospitals and healthcare information systems. CFDRC will use its existing relationship with Systems Made Simple, a provider of EMR technology, to market and commercialize the technology in the medical IT market."
First-principles-based framework for discovery and design of sustainable non-rare-earth high-temperature alloy systems,FA9550-14-C-0055,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,749942.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Debasis Sengupta,Manager,(256) 726-4800,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"The aim of this STTR program is to develop protocols to discover rare-earth-free/rare-earth-lean magnetic alloys for replacing rare earth (RE) -based alloys for reducing the dependence of supply from China. The development of non-RE high temperature magnetic materials is very challenging. In Phase I, CFDRC in collaboration with its university partner has demonstrated a proof-of-concept computational protocol, based on a first principle based evolutionary algorithm, that can significantly reduce the time and cost of discovering non-RE magnetic materials by screening a number of candidate materials within a short time, thereby shortening development time, and enhancing the chance of success. In Phase II, CFDRC will expand scope of the work and make this protocol robust by including nano and microscale physics so that reliable predictions can be made solely from first-principle. The properties include magnetization, ferromagnetic exchange coupling, magnetocrystalline anisotropy, Curie temperature, magnetization reversal and effects of external magnetic field and high temperature on these magnetic properties. In Phase II, a number of candidates will be screened and, at least, one top ranking alloy will be synthesized and characterized in the laboratory."
Molecular Modeling Driven Design of High Density Energetic Materials,N00014-14-C-0045,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,485798.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deborah Phipps,Manager Contracts,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Debasis Sengupta,Manager,(256) 726-4800,proposal-contracts@cfdrc.com,"Development of next generation energetic materials has been slow primarily due to a lack of fundamental understanding of the physics and chemistry of these materials. The strategy for development historically has been a trial-and-error experimental approach which possesses considerable risk of failure. With the advent of high speed computers and sophisticated molecular modeling techniques, it is now possible to predict properties of energetic materials prior to experiments. Therefore, a coordinated effort between molecular modelers and synthetic organic chemists is the key to fast development of energetic materials to meet today""s military combat requirements. In Phase I, CFDRC, in collaboration with synthetic organic chemist of University of Idaho, have conceptualized a number of energetic compounds, evaluated them with a range of molecular modeling methods for down selection, and attempted to synthesize two candidates. Phase II will continue the protocols followed in Phase I and expand its scope. A number of compounds of a certain class will be further evaluated, down-selected, synthesized and characterized. A plan for scale up of the most promising compound, its detonation testing and transition to Navy""s programs is also included. Development of next generation energetic materials has been slow primarily due to a lack of fundamental understanding of the physics and chemistry of these materials. The strategy for development historically has been a trial-and-error experimental approach which possesses considerable risk of failure. With the advent of high speed computers and sophisticated molecular modeling techniques, it is now possible to predict properties of energetic materials prior to experiments. Therefore, a coordinated effort between molecular modelers and synthetic organic chemists is the key to fast development of energetic materials to meet today""s military combat requirements. In Phase I, CFDRC, in collaboration with synthetic organic chemist of University of Idaho, have conceptualized a number of energetic compounds, evaluated them with a range of molecular modeling methods for down selection, and attempted to synthesize two candidates. Phase II will continue the protocols followed in Phase I and expand its scope. A number of compounds of a certain class will be further evaluated, down-selected, synthesized and characterized. A plan for scale up of the most promising compound, its detonation testing and transition to Navy""s programs is also included."
Computational Model for Electrode Erosion by High-Pressure Moving Arcs,FA9550-14-C-0026,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,749964.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deb Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Vladimir Kolobov,Technical Fellow,(256) 726-4800,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"ABSTRACT: The goal of this project is to develop theoretical models for electrode erosion in high-pressure arcs and incorporate them into computational tools for simulations of arc heaters. The complexity of the electrode material removal process is associated with the multi-phase nature of the arc-electrode interactions, melting and vaporization of the electrodes near the arc foot. Available models can predict material removal rates within an order of magnitude, but have many adjustable parameters that are poorly understood. Our goal is to advance the electrode erosion models, and combine them with state-of-the-art codes for simulation of arc discharges. A comprehensive computational tool will be developed to simulate the arc motion by external magnetic fields, gas-plasma interactions in the arc attachment region, the formation of cathode and anode spots, the melting and vaporization of the electrode surface, material removal due to vaporization, surface shear, chemical reactions, and magnetic forces. During Phase I, we have evaluated erosion models and existing codes, and designed a new computational tool with Adaptive Mesh Refinement and multi-phase capabilities for simulations of electrode erosion by high-pressure magnetically moving arcs. In Phase II, the new computational tool will be fully developed and validated versus experiments. BENEFIT: Arc heaters provide the high-temperature airflows needed for simulating extreme conditions for space vehicles and hypersonic weapon systems. The U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and NASA use ground-test facilities to develop thermal protection systems for hypersonic flight vehicles and launch vehicles. This tool will help to improve the arc heaters in these specialized facilities by predicting optimal operating conditions with minimal electrode erosion. For industrial applications of arc heaters, electric switches, circuit breakers, etc. this project will help better understand the electrode erosion process and increase the usable lifetime of the devices. For other technologies such as gas-metal cutting and welding, this project can offer improved capabilities for simulating multi-phase processes involving gas, plasma, solid and liquid interactions in a space of a few millimeters, which have proven difficult to measure and control experimentally."
A General-Purpose Software Tool for Multi-disciplinary Simulation Data Management and Learning,FA9550-14-C-0002,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,749984.00,CFD Research Corporation,AL,,Huntsville,AL,35805-1944,Yes,No,No,Deb Phipps,Contracts Manager,(256) 726-4884,dap@cfdrc.com,Yi Wang,Manager,(256) 327-0678,proposals-contracts@cfdrc.com,"ABSTRACT: The overall goal of the proposed effort is to develop and demonstrate a general-purpose, fast, and reliable management and learning software tool for analyzing massive data sets generated by dynamic multi-disciplinary simulation. In Phase I, key technology elements were developed and proof-of-principle was successfully demonstrated. Data management software encapsulating salient feature specification algorithms, proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) engine, feature detection module, and data utilization module were all developed in an integrated architecture. By way of USAF relevant case studies, critical evidence was established that our tool enables accurate capture of coherent flow structures with unprecedented data reduction (10-40X) and focused visualization and learning (only 3-10% of original data). In Phase II, the developed software will be optimized in performance and functionality. The feature library will be expanded and improved. An incremental POD technique will be developed to tackle the massive data sets and enable co-processing capabilities. Advanced feature detection algorithms will be developed to improve accuracy and computational efficiency. Data utilization will be extended to compressible and turbulent flow. All the modules will be integrated onto a high-performance, parallel computing platform with facile user interface. The software will be extensively validated and demonstrated by selected case studies of USAF interest. BENEFIT: The need for next-generation data management and learning tools for deciphering massive data information generated by large-scale multi-disciplinary simulation is widely recognized. The end-product arising from this effort will be a novel, general-purpose management and learning software tool for fast, reliable, automated analysis of massive multi-disciplinary simulation data. The proposed technology will be of direct commercial value in military (e.g., DoD, MDA), NASA, and civilian sectors. The product will deliver DoD researchers a valuable tool to: (1) enable accurate feature detection and Region Of Interest (ROI) identification for selective visualization and storage; (2) gain an increased understanding and interpretation of the underlying physics; (3) provide guidance on diagnostics and reconfiguration of the multi-physics model and simulation for targeted applications; and (4) assist in concept evaluation, prediction, optimization, and design of high-performance systems. In the civilian sectors, the proposed data management tool will find widespread uses in various engineering areas due to its capability of handling data from various sources, including multi-physics modeling and simulation, experimental data reconstruction and system identification, sensor data fusion and mining, as well as low-dimensional model extraction for real-time control and diagnostics, graphical and image analysis, weather forecasting, bioinformatics, etc."
Modeling of Cyber Behaviors to Wargame and Assess Risk (MOC-WAR),N00014-14-P-1071,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79767.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Peter Weyhrauch,Principal Scientist,(617) 491-3474,pweyhrauch@cra.com,"Adversaries are becoming ever more proficient at cyber attacks against our military""s infrastructure, making offensive and defensive cyber operations an essential component of today""s military activities. While the Navy has focused significant resources on cyber defense, these operations are largely reactive in nature, addressing events after the initial attack. Augmenting our cyber defense with proactive tools to analyze the goals and decision-making processes of adversaries will enable cyber defenders to shape the battlespace, limiting, and even driving, adversary options and reducing the threat on our infrastructure. To do this, cyber defenders need to understand the motivations, goals, behaviors, and limitations of those adversaries, and how those factors interact with policies, users, and defenses. To address these needs, we propose a Phase I effort to design and demonstrate a system for Modeling Cyber Behaviors to Wargame and Assess Risk (MOC-WAR). MOC-WAR provides a hybrid, modular behavior modeling framework to construct flexible adversary, defender, user, and policy maker models that can be rapidly updated as adversary strategies evolve. Using these models, MOC-WAR provides simulation engines and analysis tools that allow analysts and defenders to wargame behavioral interactions with adversaries, and proactively select policies and defenses that minimize adversary threats."
"Helicopter Aiding for Zero-Zero Landings with Advanced, Reactive Displays (HAZZARD)",N00014-14-P-1078,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79267.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Ryan Kilgore,Principal Scientist,(617) 491-3474,rkilgore@cra.com,"Although Navy MH-60R/S SEAHAWK helicopters have long played a critical role in military operations, degraded visual environments continue to plague landing safety. Current heads-down displays do not address pilots""need to continuously perceive and respond to a rich set of external visual cues during shipboard landings (e.g., proximity, orientation, relative motion). To address this, we propose to leverage established Ecological Interface Design (EID) theory to design, demonstrate, and evaluate concepts for Helicopter Aiding for Zero-Zero Landings with Advanced, Reactive Displays (HAZZARD). We will design a simple, abstract display symbology that uses emergent visual cues to support pilots""direct and intuitive perception of aircraft status within the context of physical and safety constraints. We will augment this display symbology with reactive feedback from an automated flight director to guide the pilot into a landing maneuver synchronized with ship motion. The flight director will incorporate detailed models of: (1) the MH-60 platform and control systems; (2) flight-deck motion in varying sea-states; and (3) environmental effects, including turbulent wind gusts. Finally, we will construct and evaluate working prototypes of promising HAZZARD symbology and flight director designs through a series of evolutionary prototypes, and identify a low-risk pathway for flight-test demonstrations under Phase II."
Terrain Impact Decision Extensions (TIDE),W911QX-13-C-0111,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,1,99947.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark S. Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Joseph Gorman,Principal Software Engineer,(617) 491-3474,jgorman@cra.com,"The US Army faces a significant burden in planning sustainment operations. Currently, logistics planners must manually evaluate potential emplacement sites to determine their terrain suitability. Sites subject to rainfall-runoff responses such as ponding are ill-suited for emplacements, but evaluating the likelihood of such responses requires significant time and expertise. To reduce the time and to ease the difficulty of logistics site selection we propose a series of Terrain Impact Decision Extensions (TIDE) to the My Weather Impacts Decision Aid (MyWIDA). TIDE performs data-fusion over a variety of terrain and weather data sets, and can reason with uncertainty to evaluate the suitability of potential logistics sites against a series of expert rules for a variety of emplacement systems."
Distributed Analysis Tool for Enterprise Monitoring (DATEM),N66001-14-P-5102,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79977.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Joe Gorman,Principal Software Engine,(617) 491-3474,jgorman@cra.com,"Operational availability of Navy systems has become a function of mechanical, electronic, computer, software, and network systems""availability. Further, the challenge of maintaining operational availability will grow to enterprise scale as the Navy moves towards tactical cloud computing that automates information sharing and command and control services. However, in today""s distributed computing environment, no current system provides adequate performance and condition monitoring that allows operators and support personnel to detect, predict, and respond to emergent conditions that can degrade operational availability. A system is needed that monitors operational systems, integrates observed performance measures, predicts system availability, and alerts operators and support personnel of future threats to mission readiness. In response to this need, Charles River Analytics proposes a Distributed Analysis Tool for Enterprise Monitoring (DATEM). DATEM will build on our experience providing innovative data collection technologies for the Office of Naval Research""s (ONR) annual Limited Technical Experiment. We support ONR by monitoring and analyzing distributed systems (hardware, software, and services) and network traffic. We propose to develop condition-based metrics for naval system effectiveness, operator performance, and system availability. DATEM will provide a framework for integrating observed performance measures, extracting performance metrics, and predicting future availability."
Characterizing Resident Space Objects from Photometric Signatures (CROPS),FA9453-14-M-0153,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149992.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Joe Gorman,Principal Software Engineer,(617) 491-3474,jgorman@cra.com,"The US is highly dependent on space resources for communications and imaging, as well as positioning, navigation, and timing services that support military operations, government operations, and commercial interests. Because the space environment is both congested and contested, effectively operating space resources is a challenge. The Joint Space Operations Center requires high-quality space situational awareness to protect our free access to space. Currently, resident space objects are characterized primarily based on astrometry measurements, while photometric object resolution techniques are underutilized in SSA systems, such as JMS/ARCADE. By analyzing photometric signatures, we can advance the state of the art in deep space object resolution because certain features which can be inferred from a photometric signature cannot be effectively calculated using astrometry. These features can be used to resolve observations of deep space objects, either with astrometric data or based solely on photometric analysis. Charles River Analytics proposes to develop a service for Characterizing Resident Space Objects from Photometric Signatures, (CROPS). CROPS will introduce valuable techniques for the interpretation and application of photometric data, which has previously been underused in the characterization of RSOs in real-time, operational processes."
"A system for augmenting training by Monitoring, Extracting, and Decoding Indicators of Cognitive Load (MEDIC)",W81XWH-14-C-0018,DOD,DHP,SBIR,2014,1,150000.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Bethany Bracken,Scientist,(617) 491-3474,bbracken@cra.com,"Military medical personnel must act quickly and efficiently in any operational environment. Their success in saving lives depends on their ability to act effectively, both individually and as a team. Therefore, training must address individual skills and knowledge as well as interactions among team members. Currently, trainers must infer competence across these dimensions using only observation of trainee actiona challenging task. Automatically sensing indicators of cognitive load can provide information that augments performance observations, offering insight into how individuals and teams achieved that performance. Therefore, we propose to design and demonstrate a system for augmenting training by Monitoring, Extracting, and Decoding Indicators of Cognitive Load (MEDIC). MEDIC will use a multimodal suite of unobtrusive, field-ready neurophysiological and physiological sensors to disambiguate potential cognitive load indicators from other causes, such as physical exertion. MEDIC's sensor suite includes a user interface for trainers to enter observations and annotations for later review. MEDIC will use complex event processing to extract and fuse the best indicators of cognitive workload and team dynamics from the multiple, high-volume data streams originating from the sensor suite. MEDIC will also use novel probabilistic modeling techniques to help trainers interpret indicators during and after training."
"Gray Matter: A Platform to Provide Timely, Relevant Information for Proactive Decision Making",N00014-14-P-1159,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79863.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,contracts@cra.com,Brad Rosenberg,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,brosenberg@cra.com,"Military domains, such as naval operations, require agile decision-making by Warfighters as they monitor ongoing activities, assess the impact of events, and develop or adjust plans to achieve the overall mission. These missions and resulting tasks emerge from a consistently evolving battlespace, placing demands on the Warfighter to adapt to make sense of the wealth of available battlespace data, often in the form of text-based reports and message traffic. However, current information management tools available to Warfighters are limited to address only a prescribed set of tasks and only then in narrow contexts. Warfighters need dynamic information management tools that enable them to categorize, enrich, reason over, and manage information transactions to provide timely, relevant information for decision-making. To meet this goal, we propose to design and demonstrate the feasibility of Gray Matter, a platform for Warfighters to rapidly capture, reuse, and share workflows that can be discovered and applied based on anticipated information needs. Gray Matter provides a mashup authoring and execution capability that combines data access, information processing, communication, and visualization services, and the capacity to anticipate mashups that are contextually-relevant to the Warfighter."
Maintenance Training based on an Adaptive Game-Based Environment using a Pedagogic Interpretation Engine (MAGPIE),FA8650-14-C-6506,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,743284.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark S. Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Wayne Thornton,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,wthornton@cra.com,"ABSTRACT: Although Partial Task Trainers (PTTs) have been shown to have a cost savings of 60 percent over training on actual systems, they routinely cost the Government in manpower, maintenance, and upgrades, and are limited by static content that does not address differently skilled trainees. Game-based training can provide a powerful, personalized approach to addressing individual training needs, but without accessible development tools, game updates can remain costly. To harness the full power of game-based training for maintenance proficiency, we propose to develop Maintenance Training based on an Adaptive Game-Based Environment using a Pedagogic Interpretation Engine (MAGPIE). Based on our successful Phase I, we propose a full-scope Phase II development effort focused on four elements: (1) a suite of intuitive authoring tools that enable course designers to construct scenarios, performance metrics, and game configurations for training; (2) instruction tools that cognitively merge observation, tracking, and training tasks for instructors to manage training exercises; (3) a realistic and extensible game engine that adapts COTS products to provide immersive gameplay for trainees with realistic aircraft models that address maintenance training objectives; and (4) an integration framework that seamlessly merges authored training content with both the game engine and the instruction tool. BENEFIT: We will transition the MAGPIE technology to courses at Sheppard AFB, providing instructors with a C-130H and C-130J trainer that can augment their current classroom-based training mechanisms. MAGPIE will also benefit Government agencies that train personnel using computer-controlled immersive scenarios (e.g., air traffic controllers, emergency responders, medical teams) by pursuing licensing arrangements with producers of similar or existing training systems for those domains. Finally, we will target the multi-billion dollar computer game industry, and augment our own commercial product, AgentWorks."
Precise Underwater Localization Using Sonar and Electro-Optics (PULSE),N00024-14-C-4003,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,730720.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Jonah McBride,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,jmcbride@cra.com,"Underwater ship hull inspection platforms routinely check for damage, corrosion, and suspicious objects. Highly accurate position information is required to properly register hull inspection data with previously collected data to monitor the progression of structural anomalies and other changes and ensure complete hull coverage. Conventional underwater localization methods are inadequate for hull inspection. For example, fixed-source signal triangulation systems do not function well in shallow water, and inertial dead-reckoning systems accumulate unacceptable error over time. Alternative vision-based techniques, such as simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), have shown some promise for underwater platforms. However, the underwater environment and hull inspection task present several challenges to these techniques, such as poor visibility and limited scene structure. We propose Precise Underwater Localization Using Sonar and Electro-Optics (PULSE), an approach that uses optical and acoustic imaging sensors to offer greater flexibility under these conditions. In our preceding Phase I effort, we demonstrated the concept of underwater SLAM using a video camera and imaging sonar together. In this Phase II effort, we will enhance the PULSE system by introducing a stereo camera and 3D sonar to improve navigation accuracy, and perform extensive testing over a wide range of representative operational environments and scenarios."
"Sonar Training Motivation, Assessment, Tailoring, and Enhanced Remediation (ST-MASTER)",N00024-14-C-4058,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,699059.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,contracts@cra.com,Wayne Thornton,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,wthornton@cra.com,"Sonar operators on anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)-capable surface ships have difficulty reaching and maintaining proficiency. Existing training systems, such as the SAST sub-system of the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 undersea combat system) do not sufficiently motivate sailors to participate in training, contributing to sonar operators and sonar watchstanding teams having diminished proficiency. Serious games, or more generally, Immersive Learning Simulations (ILSs), have the potential to engage trainees, but are challenging to design within the constraints of an operational environment. Based on the positive results achieved in Phase I, Charles River Analytics proposes a Phase II effort to develop and evaluate an ILS-enhanced system for Sonar Training, Motivation, Assessment, Tailoring, and Enhanced Remediation (ST-MASTER). ST-MASTER will incorporate skill models in agent-based reasoning components, will customize training scenarios based on trainee proficiency, and will assess individual and team proficiency. It will also incorporate motivation models, assess users""motivation levels, and provide ILS-enhanced feedback via user interfaces for trainees and trainers. By leveraging existing technologies, we will develop a full-scope ST-MASTER prototype while ensuring that, ultimately, ST-MASTER will successfully interface with Navy systems targeted for transition."
Torpedo Self-Defense Using Networked Automated Machine Intelligence (TSUNAMI),N00024-14-C-4072,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,599796.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Joe Gorman,Principal Software Engine,(617) 491-3474,jgorman@cra.com,"US Navy efforts to develop effective torpedo countermeasures have yielded mixed results, but improvements are on the horizon. However, the relatively small number of sensors on each ship limits the military utility of the torpedo defense picture currently available to ship commanders. For effective torpedo defense given the current realities of sensor deployments, commanders need a system that integrates inputs from all networked ships in a strike group to detect, classify, and localize torpedo threats. Such a system will then be able to provide a comprehensive and consistent tactical picture that will: (1) generate torpedo threat alerts, (2) reduce risks to friendly units, and (3) permit optimization of counter-fire in response to a torpedo attack. Charles River Analytics is pleased to propose an information fusion system for Torpedo Self-Defense Using Networked Automated Machine Intelligence (TSUNAMI). TSUNAMI will automate the detection, classification, and localization of attacking torpedoes by combining relevant data from self-defense systems of the ship and other platforms."
CAT Learning Algorithm Workbench (CLAW),N00024-14-C-4010,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,726066.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,contracts@cra.com,Wayne Thornton,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,wthornton@cra.com,"Current countermeasure anti-torpedo (CAT) systems use explicit logic to direct single-target intercepts resulting in an inability to adapt to the complexities of the stochastic marine environment and the problems of multiple, simultaneous threats. The CAT Learning Algorithm Workbench (CLAW) is an analytical research testbed capable of comparing the effectiveness of different machine learning approaches to optimize and automate anti-torpedo fire control against multiple targets. By applying recent developments in intelligent algorithms to existing simulations and models in the program of record using an instrumented test environment, investigators can identify the most promising design for using adaptive learning in the Torpedo Warning System. The benefit of the approach is to harden battle group defenses against torpedo salvos by finding optimal fire control solutions and automating the launch decision process."
Constructive Logic and Behavior Engine for Efficient and Responsive Training (COLBERT),FA8650-14-M-6542,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149991.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark S. Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Corey Lofdahl,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,clofdahl@cra.com,"ABSTRACT: Training simulations that currently support Close Air Support (CAS) training and the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training in particular, are laborious to configure and expensive to manage with live personnel, which results in training that is limited in scope. For example, current simulations, like the Indirect Fire Forward Observer Trainer (I-FACT), require numerous observer/controllers to partake as""White Force""players in the simulation, driving up the manpower cost of conducting JTAC training. To fill the roles, communications, and behaviors of White Force participants in simulation-based training environments, Charles River Analytics proposes to design and demonstrate a Constructive Logic and Behavior Engine for Efficient and Responsive Training (COLBERT). COLBERT provides a graphical development and run-time environment to construct and execute CAS-related behavior models. We will base COLBERT on AgentWorks, our in-house, intelligent agent platform, coupled with new experience management tools that support Trainers across the four phases of training development (planning, preparation, execution, and assessment) to ensure an effective training experience. BENEFIT: COLBERT will provide immediate and tangible benefits to training developers by supporting effective and cost-efficient training across a wide range of domains and simulation environments, including the Joint Terminal Attack Controller Training Rehearsal System being developed at AFRL. In addition, COLBERT will provide considerable benefit for other simulation-based training, including flight and maintenance space simulation training. We also plan to enhance our user-friendly agent development environment, AgentWorks, with training capabilities that will increase its appeal in both the simulation-based training and entertainment (e.g., video games) markets."
System For Trauma Assessment Training (STAT),FA8650-14-M-6561,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149918.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Peter Weyhrauch,Principal Scientist,(617) 491-3474,pweyhrauch@cra.com,"ABSTRACT: Training for primary and secondary trauma assessment is vital to DoD medical personnel; it is the first step to saving the lives of wounded Warfighters. Synthetic task environments are needed to bridge gaps in the training and practice of these skills. In addition to the synthetic environments themselves, we also need to support creating and editing scenarios for the environments, recording performance and simulation data, and interoperating with external simulations. To address these needs we propose to design and evaluate a System for Trauma Assessment Training (STAT), a medium-fidelity scenario-based trauma assessment training system featuring a scenario editor, multi-modal training, and a data recording and interchange system to provide efficient and effective learning, practice, and assessment of primary and secondary trauma assessment skills. These capabilities will enable STAT to bridge the gap between classroom and high-fidelity simulations. BENEFIT: Training primary and secondary trauma assessment skills is vital to DoD medical personnel and their patients. We expect System for Trauma Assessment Training (STAT) to successfully train and rehearse these critical skills to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of training while reducing the overhead. In addition to helping military personnel, training can benefit other government agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other first responders in all sectors of government. STAT technologies have applications in the commercial medical training industry, hospitals, emergency medicine training, and paramedic training."
Coherence and Relevance Monitoring and Adjustment for Plans (CARMA),FA8750-14-C-0165,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149996.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark S. Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Erik Thomsen,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,ethomsen@cra.com,"ABSTRACT: Maintaining systems of military plans is difficult, yet critical. A plan may become nonexecutable because the world has diverged from the plan""s assumptions, rendering it irrelevant. If there are constant ad hoc changes to many related plans, they may no longer lead to well-synchronized and coordinated operations, resulting in the system of plans becoming incoherent. The Adaptive Planning process partly addresses this problem through cyclical collaborative plan review and maintenance. However, what is needed is a highly-automated and effective system that continuously maintains living plans in response to rapidly changing conditions. Charles River Analytics proposes to design and evaluate a system for plan Coherence and Relevance Monitoring and Adjustment (CARMA) to provide an affordable, open, and extensible solution to generate and maintain living plans. First, we will design a sophisticated catalog that represents plan elements (e.g., goals, assets, terrain) and their relationships (e.g., supported, supporting, and collateral) dynamically across time and space. Second, we will design monitoring and adjustment algorithms and supporting interactive applications that can adapt plans to changes that threaten plan coherence or relevance. Third, we will design an information extraction and routing service that grounds the living plan process in more accurate, complete, and timely information. BENEFIT: The research performed under this effort will have immediate benefit to the Air Operations Center Weapon System (AOC WS) and across multiple regional and functional AOCs. Specifically, it will increase the productivity of current planners since existing plans will not have to be repeatedly reviewed and maintained. This will increase plan quality as more time can be spent thinking creatively and collaboratively. It will also improve force effectiveness as it will be going into battle with a system of plans that achieves effective unity of effort. Such advances will apply across air, maritime, ground, and space domains. This research will also enhance our commercial AgentWorks software development kit for deploying hybrid computational reasoning into an enterprise."
Applying Probabilistic Programming to Evaluate Learning-Enabled Systems (APPELES),W911QX-14-C-0069,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,1,149885.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Avi Pfeffer,Principal Scientist,(617) 491-3474,apfeffer@cra.com,"Learning-enabled systems (LESs) that improve their performance over time and adapt to new environments have significant potential for a variety of military applications, such as robotics, intelligence analysis, and cyber defense. To be deployed operationally, LESs must be thoroughly evaluated by test and evaluation (T & E) engineers. In the Applying Probabilistic Programming to Evaluate Learning Enabled Systems (APPELES) framework, we formulate the task of evaluating an LES as a problem of predicting the future performance of the system. We use probabilistic modeling to describe the learning process, the LES, and its environment, to infer characteristics of the LES from data obtained during testing, and to predict its future performance. Our probabilistic models are expressed using probabilistic programming, a powerful framework that enables the expression of probabilistic models with rich data types and control flow. Our models (1) capture a range of learning frameworks, (2) support generalization from limited test runs to longer learning processes, (3) support generalization from testing environments to a broader range of operational environments, and (4) enable the T & E engineer to evaluate the time-varying performance of LESs across measures of interest."
Adaptive UGV Routing via Object Recognition and Analysis (AURORA),W56HZV-14-C-0202,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,1,149939.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark S. Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Camille Monnier,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,cmonnier@cra.com,"The Army has identified a need to develop a system that can identify, classify, and analyze visual data from unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) and stationary visual surveillance sources to enable real-time decisions and system-wide planning regarding route, speed, and tasks on board UGVs. We propose to design and develop a system for Adaptive UGV Routing via Object Recognition and Analysis (AURORA). AURORA is a distributed software surveillance system that fuses observations from UGV cameras with observations from a fixed (e.g., building-mounted) camera infrastructure to produce a unified view of pedestrians, vehicles, and potential hazards in the operational area. AURORA builds on advanced camera-based pedestrian and vehicle tracking and behavior analysis software designed to operate on both moving and fixed visible and infrared (EO/IR) cameras. The underlying architecture emphasizes distributed processing using Robot Operating System (ROS) nodes to minimize bandwidth requirements. AURORA will build on this architecture by introducing four key capabilities: (1) fusing UGV-based observations with fixed-camera observations; (2) detecting emergent obstacles and hazards, such as potholes, roadwork, or debris; (3) detecting unusual or suspicious behaviors by pedestrian and vehicles; and (4) optimizing and planning routes for a UGV fleet."
Intuitive User Interfaces for Task-Tailored Planning (INTUIT),N68335-14-C-0264,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79995.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,contracts@cra.com,Martin Voshell,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,mvoshell@cra.com,"Current mission planning interfaces are difficult to understand and cumbersome to use, resulting in few operators utilizing the full power of advanced planning systems. To address this critical shortfall, we will design and demonstrate a set of Intuitive User Interfaces for Task-Tailored planning (INTUIT). These interfaces will increase the usability of planning systems and the efficiency of operators with varying skill levels across a range of vehicles, mission contexts, and unique tasks. INTUIT will provide targeted support to novice and expert mission planners by adapting to unique operator, task, and mission needs, as well as fluidly exposing opportunities for advanced planning functionality when appropriate. To ensure that these displays truly address the specific capabilities, tasks, and workflows of mission planners, we will adopt an iterative process of analysis, design, and prototyping grounded in proven Cognitive Systems Engineering methods. Finally, we will extend existing in-house display tools to rapidly prototype INTUIT mission planning displays. We will use these prototypes to demonstrate and evaluate our approaches and to deeply explore the complexities of mission planning across vehicles, operators, and mission contexts. INTUIT initially will target enhanced interfaces for the Joint Mission Planning System and can be broadly transitioned to other planning systems."
Submarine Imaging Real-time Enhancement (SIREN),N00024-14-P-4505,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79982.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,contracts@cra.com,Jonah McBride,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,jmcbride@cra.com,"The US Navy is in the process of phasing out conventional optical submarine periscopes in favor of digital sensor masts that transmit video (and other sensor data) to the bridge electronically. Sensor masts can host multiple sensor modalities including both electro-optic (EO) and infrared (IR) for day/night operations. Digital video can be fed directly into a pipeline of automated image processing algorithms including target detection, tracking, and classification for enhanced situational awareness. Unfortunately, the imagery from submarine sensor masts often suffers from a variety of artifacts, including etched reticle lines, interlacing artifacts, and smudging from water droplets. These artifacts affect image quality and negatively impact the performance of downstream processing algorithms. The current method of manual video correction is highly labor intensive and cannot be performed in real time. We propose a Submarine Imaging Real-time Enhancement (SIREN) system to detect and correct these artifacts in real time. In addition to a set of gold standard video enhancement algorithms and novel artifact removal techniques, SIREN features an image analysis module that detects which artifacts are present and automatically applies the correct enhancement algorithms. In this Phase I effort, we will develop a software prototype and evaluate on available periscope video data."
Framework for Refining Extensible and Flexible APB Combat Systems Training for Operator Readiness (REFACTOR),N00024-14-P-4509,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79980.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,contracts@cra.com,Sean Guarino,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,sguarino@cra.com,"In developing advanced Submarine Combat Systems, the Navy has adopted a rapid cycle of software upgrades that, within the Advanced Processor Build Technical Insertion (APB-TI) schedule, regularly introduce new capabilities. This upgrade cycle has outpaced the development of associated training systems, which use adapted tactical software and system recordings in a classroom environment to replicate combat systems. The Navy needs a low-cost, easily adapted training framework for Submarine Combat Systems that can be upgraded within the APB-TI schedule to train crews to use evolving capabilities. To address this need, we propose to design and demonstrate a framework for Refining Extensible and Flexible APB Combat Systems Training to Enhance Operational Readiness (REFACTOR). REFACTOR provides a mixed-fidelity, multi-strategy, shore-based training framework for Submarine Combat Systems with intuitive, low-cost tools for evolving training to reflect emerging enhancements. REFACTOR is built on an open-architecture game engine that supports extensible and robust training via a variety of game- and media-based learning delivery methods. REFACTOR also provides intuitive authoring tools for rapid updates to game content (e.g., interfaces and computational logic) and training content (e.g., skill trees and learning modules). Combined, these tools provide the Navy with effective training of new capabilities within the APB-TI schedule."
Sonar Technician Adaptive Learning and Interactive Visualization Environment (ST-ALIVE),N00024-14-P-4511,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79994.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,contracts@cra.com,Wayne Thornton,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,wthornton@cra.com,"Despite decades of technological advances, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) continues to require arcane perishable skills. Navy officials report that current surface ship sonar systems are capable, but operators are not able to fully exploit the systems""capabilities. Ships and schoolhouses need better visualizations to enable sonar operators to interactively explore recorded data and improve their understanding of the factors affecting sonar performance. To improve sonar training and operation on ASW-capable surface ships, Charles River Analytics proposes to design and demonstrate the Sonar Technician Adaptive Learning and Interactive Visualization Environment (ST-ALIVE). ST-ALIVE will perform three functions: (1) enable interactive exploration of recorded data and generate visualizations that improve operators""understanding of the effects of the environment, threat contacts, system settings, and own ship operations on sonar performance; (2) exploit the full potential of interactive visualizations by assessing trainees""actions, providing timely detailed feedback, and using an intelligent tutor to provide tailored training adapted to trainees""learning styles; and (3) provide assessments to help training managers and onboard supervisors manage operators""progress in reaching and maintaining required proficiency. We will demonstrate the feasibility of ST-ALIVE in our Phase I effort while ensuring that ST-ALIVE will interface with Navy systems targeted for transition."
Console Representation Environment for Assisted Testing and Evaluation (CREATE),N00024-14-P-4564,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79988.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,contracts@cra.com,Martin Voshell,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,mvoshell@cra.com,"Navy ship operating consoles must enable minimally manned crews to perform complex, coordinated activities across a range of missions. To this end, console designs must be thoroughly evaluated to ensure they support the diverse missions assigned to Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). Human System Integration (HSI) evaluators must be able to rapidly apply a combination of methods to evaluate proposed platform changes within a low-cost evaluation environment. The environment must be capable of representing the system across multiple levels of fidelity and assess interface options against one another and against baseline configurations. Evaluators must also efficiently collect qualitative feedback from representative study participants and integrate this feedback with quantitative performance metrics. To address these needs, we propose to design and demonstrate a Console Representation Environment for Assisted Testing and Evaluation (CREATE) that guides the design selection process by providing a synthetic environment for rapid instantiation and efficient evaluation of console design alternatives. This environment will provide: (1) tools for selecting and capturing key performance metrics to compare consoles; (2) tools for seamlessly capturing HSI evaluators and representative study participant feedback throughout the studies; and (3) intuitive authoring tools to configure and visualize console environments and layouts without computer programming expertise."
Detecting Patterns of Life and Anomalous Results (POLAR) in Big Graphs,N00014-14-P-1153,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79889.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,contracts@cra.com,Brian Ruttenberg,Scientist,(617) 491-3474,bruttenberg@cra.com,"Sailors and Marines are responsible for conducting missions such as maritime security operations, embassy protection, non-combatant evacuation, and disaster relief. To plan missions effectively, Warfighters need to understand normal patterns of life (POL) and anomalies in those patterns. Analyzing this data within the context of a graph representation supports understanding of how relationships among entities and concepts contribute to normal and anomalous patterns. Merging heterogeneous relational data from multiple sources results in large graphs that require new, scalable analysis methods. To address this challenge, we propose to design and demonstrate an approach for detecting Patterns of Life and Anomalous Results (POLAR) in big graphs. The focus of our effort is to design scalable patterns of life calculations that consider rich details about entities and their relationships. First, we will employ an innovative variation of data preprocessing to reduce graph dimensionality while simultaneously making it easier for analysis techniques to identify patterns of life. Second, to detect patterns of life in the graph, we will represent POLs as labeled sub-graphs of the aggregated graph. We will also augment POL extraction with anomaly detection so operational users can determine when POLs in an area are diverging from expected behavior."
Range Information via Passive Infrared (RIPIR),N00014-14-P-1171,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79951.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,contracts@cra.com,Jonah McBride,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,jmcbride@cra.com,"UAVs are a major force multiplier in United States military operations, conducting high-altitude unmanned surveillance and medium range air to ground engagements. Recently, UAV mission spaces have expanded to include resupply of deployed forces, and may soon include direct air support. As UAVs have moved into these new mission spaces, their operating altitudes have decreased, requiring high-resolution, near real-time terrain/obstacle detection, mapping and avoidance. Active sensing (radar/ladar) hardware both exceeds size, weight and power (SWAP) limits for small/micro UAVs and poses emissions risks for high-threat environments. Passive stereo imagery can provide needed ranging information, but collection and sensor requirements are often outside operational parameters. To overcome the challenges of all-condition passive ranging, we propose a system for Range Identification via Passive Infrared (RIPIR), which offers a solution for single-camera passive stereo ranging in vehicles that need to operate in low-light/no-light environments without active emissions. RIPIR uses a novel error reduction technique to improve 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF) positioning, enabling a single low-cost COTS forward-looking long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensor using noise reduction and super-resolution approaches to develop a range map in low-light/no light conditions while still remaining within UAV SWAP-C limits and operational maneuver envelopes."
Instructional Design and Training Development Enterprise (TRADE),FA8650-14-M-6549,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149954.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark S. Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Martin Voshell,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,mvoshell@cra.com,"ABSTRACT: Although government investment in simulation-based training has resulted in reduced training costs, the full potential of simulation-based trainingefficient and effective training across the continuum of trainee populationshas not been achieved. In part, this shortfall can be attributed to underinvestment in adaptive and extensible instructional design functionality within simulation-based training based on sound training science. To achieve the full potential of existing and future investment in simulation-based trainers, a generally applicable instructional-design framework must be developed. To develop an affordable, open, and cross-domain instructional-design framework that enhances existing simulation-based training systems, Charles River Analytics proposes to design and evaluate an Instructional Design and Training Development Enterprise (TRADE). TRADE enables a team of training development stakeholders (e.g., Subject Matter Experts, Trainers, and Software Engineers) to asynchronously and iteratively build an adaptive training layer that instills an existing simulation system with scientifically sound training strategies. To accomplish this, TRADE consists of web-based tools that elicit knowledge from SMEs and use this knowledge to expedite progressive refinement and implementation by Trainers and Software Engineers through intelligent workflow management. BENEFIT: TRADE will provide immediate and tangible benefit to training developers by supporting effective and cost-efficient training across a wide range of domains and simulation environments, including the Standard Space Trainer (SST). In addition, TRADE will provide considerable benefit for other simulation-based training, including flight, maintenance and combined arms training. We also plan to enhance our user-friendly agent development environment, AgentWorks, with training capabilities that will increase its appeal in both the simulation-based training and entertainment (e.g., video games) markets."
Tourniquet Master Training (TMT) System for Junctional and Inguinal Hemorrhage Control Devices,W81XWH-13-C-0021,DOD,DHP,SBIR,2014,2,999854.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Peter Weyhrauch,Principal Scientist,(617) 491-3474,pweyhrauch@cra.com,"Junctional and inguinal bleeding from battlefield injuries is a significant and challenging problem. Inventors have developed new types of tourniquets, including the Abdominal Aortic Tourniquet (AAT) and the Combat Ready Clamp (CRoC) to address these abdominal and pelvic injuries. While these hemorrhage control technologies have been developed, validated, and approved for use, training systems that teach and refresh skills related to these technologies have not yet been developed. These training systems are vital because these skills can be difficult to train and are infrequently used. To address these needs, we are developing Tourniquet Master Training (TMT), a scenario-based training system featuring (1) a reconfigurable sensor system linked to a software-based virtual mentor that provides objective assessment during training, and (2) a mobile mentor that provides refresher training. TMT is a sensor-based system usable with any manikin, and because of this flexibility, TMT is an affordable training system that is configurable for future advances, including new application areas for both existing and future devices."
Toolkit for Managing Evaluation and Testing for Red Team Investigations of Cyber Security (METRICS),FA8750-14-C-0138,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,2,548922.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark S. Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Sean Guarino,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,sguarino@cra.com,"Adversaries are becoming increasingly proficient at cyber attacks against command and control infrastructure. Maintaining security requires high-fidelity assessments of software services, e.g., through exercises in which Systems Under Test are subjected t"
A System Using Knowledge of Narratives for Optimizing Workspaces to Enhance Reasoning (KNOWER),W911QX-14-C-0061,DOD,OSD,SBIR,2014,2,997032.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark S. Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Michael Farry,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,mfarry@cra.com,"The wealth of data provided by modern information fusion (IF) tools exceeds the ability of intelligence analysts to effectively process, exploit, and disseminate actionable intelligence. This issue arises because these IF tools define information value a"
Adaptable Toolkit for the Assessment and Augmentation of Performance by Teams in Real Time (ADAPTER),FA8650-14-C-6579,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,726231.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark S. Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Victoria Romero,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,vromero@cra.com,"ABSTRACT: Full-spectrum cyber operations, including both Cyber Network Attack and Cyber Network Defense, place enormous cognitive demands on operators and teams. When demands are too high or tasks are not properly allocated, performance degrades, and missions may fail. To avoid operator overload, the USAF requires a thorough, real-time evaluation of the state of the individual and the team. Assessments of behavioral, neurophysiological, and physiological signals that correlate with individual and team performance can provide the information necessary to evaluate state and optimize team performance. To address these challenges, Charles River Analytics has demonstrated the feasibility of an Adaptable Toolkit for the Assessment and Augmentation of Performance by Teams in Real Time (ADAPTER), which provides a framework that flexibly integrates both current and emerging sensors, and fuses sensor data to assess performance. We propose a Phase II effort to refine and expand ADAPTER, enabling comprehensive and holistic characterization of team performance. Our effort combines time-synchronized sensors with advanced modeling techniques that will help experimenters create and use models that support research on performance and the development of augmentation strategies. The effort also includes prototype capabilities to enable experimenters to monitor the results of experiments and enact augmentation strategies in real time. BENEFIT: ADAPTER will benefit US Air Force and USCYBERCOM Cyber Operations (as well as those organizations that design and develop tools for Cyber Operations) by improving their ability to assess operator and team states and dynamically apply strategies to optimize performance. ADAPTER will enable the efficient development and evaluation of operator and team state models that will facilitate laboratory research on operator and team performance, and will be deployable directly into AFRL/RH labs to facilitate research on cyber operators and cyber teams. ADAPTER technologies will also further the development of our commercial AgentWorks toolkit, integrating it with a range of sensor devices to increase its appeal for performance assessment and other real-time sensing applications."
"Blue Force Readiness, Activity, and Capability Modeling Engine (BlueFRAME)",FA8750-14-C-0238,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,749953.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark S. Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,contracts@cra.com,Erik Thomsen,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,ethomsen@cra.com,"ABSTRACT: In the modern complex battlespace, US forces must operate in a coordinated fashion across organizational and functional lines. Despite the increasing sophistication of information systems supporting them, Warfighters are confronted with""stovepipes""and""infoglut,""making it difficult access Blue Force (BLUFOR) information satisfying their needs. Additionally, current command and control systems are unable to represent and communicate complete situation models, including plan- and context-dependent readiness and capability information. Without such BLUFOR situation awareness, decision-making and planning will be degraded. Having successfully completed a Phase I effort to assess feasibility, Charles River Analytics proposes to develop and evaluate a full-scope prototype for a Blue Force Readiness, Activity, and Capability Modeling Engine (BlueFRAME). Our approach includes four components: (1) a representation capability that can capture complex situation models including concepts and associations; (2) an inference capability that analyzes and projects BLUFOR readiness and capabilities based on expressed and inductively inferred knowledge; (3) algorithms for assessing and employing value and cost meta-information in managing BLUFOR information use; and (4) a Composable Warfighter Interface to support situation awareness. During Phase II, we will create a BlueFRAME prototype that leverages in-house and external commercial off-the-shelf products to incrementally deliver a valuable decision support capability. BENEFIT: The research performed under this effort will have immediate benefit to Air Operations Center Weapon System (AOC WS) and its configuration across multiple regional and functional AOCs. Additionally, advances in this area of situation modeling and analysis could help in other military domains across air, maritime, ground, and space operations. This research will also have direct application to enhance our commercial DRIVE product, a software development kit for geospatial visualization."
Scheduling Tasks for AFSCN Resources using MBO Autonomous Planning (STARMAP),FA9453-14-C-0307,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,743332.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,contracts@cra.com,Daniel Stouch,Principal Software Engine,(617) 491-3474,dstouch@cra.com,"ABSTRACT: Scheduling Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) resources is challenging because windows of visibility are limited between satellites and remote tracking stations on the ground, and there are more requests for access than available resources. Human scheduling at a centralized location is difficult, time-consuming, and inefficient because it is filled with complex unwritten rules. AFSCN schedulers need an intelligent, distributed, real-time planning and scheduling tool that uses spacecraft telemetry data to automatically allocate antennas based on complex optimization criteria to reduce the burden on human schedulers and enable them to focus on higher level objectives. Charles River Analytics proposes to develop a decision support tool for Scheduling Tasks for AFSCN Resources using MBO Autonomous Planning (STARMAP). STARMAP is an intelligent, real-time planning and scheduling framework for distributed market-based optimization (MBO) of antenna resources to improve the scheduling effectiveness of satellite networks. Our approach involves modeling satellites, tracking station facilities, and customer agencies as dynamic agents that, along with custom arbitrage agents, optimize the global schedule in a continuous, real-time manner that is robust to external complications and can effectively incorporate both high and low priority contact request tasks into a globally optimal schedule. BENEFIT: STARMAP will provide immediate benefits to the AFSCN enterprise, the 22 SOPS, and the SOCs by enabling intelligent, distributed, contact request scheduling that improves the effectiveness of satellite networks, and enables decreased staffing by AFSCN schedulers. We will enhance our Dynamic Rendering and Information Visualization Engine (DRIVE) with basic animation, agent integration, and orbital visualization capabilities."
Adaptive Management and Mitigation of Uncertainty in Fusion (AMMUF),HQ0147-14-C-7906,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,99780.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark S. Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Avi Pfeffer,Principal Scientist,(617) 491-3474,apfeffer@cra.com,"Missile defense takes place in an uncertain and dynamic environment, so multi-sensor fusion must be employed to aggregate and merge disparate data from the battlefield. However, the fusion process is hindered by the vast amount of uncertainty in operational contexts, such as imprecise measurements and varying environmental conditions. Various algorithms and fusion processes have been developed to manage this uncertainty so that accurate assessment of threats can still be obtained. However, little effort has been made at determining which methods and algorithms are best suited under different conditions and uncertainty models. In our Adaptive Management and Mitigation of Uncertainty in Fusion (AMMUF) project, we will use decision-theoretic probabilistic relational models (DT-PRMs) to model the fusion process and the different design and algorithmic decisions that can be made by system engineers and fusion operators. DT-PRMs can determine optimal decisions under inherent domain uncertainty in a variety of operational conditions. Our AMMUF tool will enable system engineers to determine the optimal fusion configuration in different missile defense contexts, giving battlefield operators the most accurate and efficient information about missile threats. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7663 (8 January 14)"
"Intelligent Simulation Techniques for a Realistic, Unified Command and Control Training System (INSTRUCTS) for Missile Defense",HQ0147-14-C-7905,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,99975.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark S. Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,James Niehaus,Scientist,(617) 491-3474,jniehaus@cra.com,"Given a specific window of opportunity for an incoming threat, the central Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) operator must dynamically manage the battle to achieve global and regional mission objectives. Seconds matter in these situations, and the C2BMC operator must be well versed in all potential scenarios, so that his actions are both quick and decisive. Currently, training simulations that might apply to C2BMC operator training are laborious to configure and difficult or impossible to control live, resulting in training that is limited in scope. To enhance C2BMC operator training, we propose to design and demonstrate the feasibility of Intelligent Simulation Techniques for a Realistic, Unified Command and Control Training System (INSTRUCTS) for Missile Defense. INSTRUCTS provides an open, flexible C2BMC training simulation with tools to rapidly create scenarios, easily control scenario execution, and simulate a full chain of command. INSTRUCTS makes use of advanced training simulation technologies including automated scenario planning, execution management, and believable agents. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7663 (8 January 14)"
Representation and Inference for Developing Deep Language Engines (RIDDLE),FA8750-14-C-0021,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,149991.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Avi Pfeffer,Principal Scientist,(617) 491-3474,apfeffer@cra.com,"ABSTRACT: Intelligence analysts need to process large amounts of text information to form an understanding of a topic of interest. The sheer amount of information can be overwhelming, so automated text analytics that assist with filtering, information extraction, and document understanding, can be highly beneficial. Deep natural language processing (NLP) applications require both structural knowledge of language and background knowledge of the domain. Statistical relational learning representations support reasoning about knowledge-rich domains under uncertainty, but joint inference in NLP applications is a challenging task due to the thousands of variables and millions of features. Charles River Analytics proposes to develop Representation and Inference for Developing Deep Language Engines (RIDDLE), which investigates advanced joint inference algorithms for NLP and the representational issues that are intimately tied to inference. In particular, we will develop three novel classes of inference algorithms, including both lifted and non-lifted algorithms, as well as structured representations of knowledge to support inference using probabilistic programming. We will perform a cross-cutting evaluation of representations and inference algorithms on a range of NLP tasks. BENEFIT: RIDDLE will benefit intelligence analysts by enabling them to filter and extract meaning from large numbers of text documents, thereby supporting more timely and effective intelligence. RIDDLE will also be beneficial to commercial applications of NLP systems, such as text analytics of medical databases. The algorithms developed under this effort will also extend to our commercial FigaroTM probabilistic modeling tool, enabling it to be applied to larger and richer domains."
Modeling Operator Reasoning and Performance for Human-in-Control Simulation (MORPHIC),HQ0147-14-C-7714,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,878529.00,Charles River Analytics Inc.,MA,,Cambridge,MA,02138-4555,No,No,No,Mark S. Felix,Contracts Manager,(617) 491-3474,mfelix@cra.com,Brad Rosenberg,Senior Scientist,(617) 491-3474,brosenberg@cra.com,"Propose development of a human-in-control (HIC) modeling capability that can: (1) represent the breadth of operator decision-making processes across missile defense elements, (2) scale to deliver the appropriate level of fidelity, and (3) be extensible to future operator needs. To provide this HIC modeling capability, we propose to develop and evaluate a full-scope prototype of Modeling Operator Reasoning and Performance for Human-in-Control Simulation (MORPHIC). MORPHIC provides a graphical development and run-time environment for non-technical experts to construct and execute HIC models for a variety of missile defense applications. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7739 (18 March 14)."
Tripwires for PEO C4I Systems,N66001-14-P-5101,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79864.00,Chesapeake Technology International Corporation,"44427 Airport Road, Suite 100",,California,MD,20619-,No,No,No,Kevin Satow,Director,(301) 862-2726,ksatow@ctic-inc.com,Dustan Hellwig,Chief Technology Officer,(719) 488-2726,dhellwig@ctic-inc.com,"Chesapeake Technology International""s (CTI""s) proposed solution for the Tripwires for PEO C4I Systems is the development of a system of active and passive monitors that will provide status on PMW-120 systems with no modification to existing equipment or installations. While a number of general monitors will be developed, custom monitors may be required for specific systems based on their capabilities, operations, and interfaces. This does not mean that existing systems need to be tailored in any way as the CTI-developed monitors will extract the required information without this type of modification. In addition to the monitors and monitoring architecture, CTI will include analytics, redundancy, false positive/negative mitigations, and""monitor monitors""to ensure that the monitoring infrastructure is predictive, reliable, and dependable. The proposed solution will be able to monitor and assess a variety of PMW-120 systems including signals intelligence, imagery, full motion video, and other types of sensors and sensor arrays/networks, intelligence processing systems and networks, and oceanographic and meteorological sensors and systems. CTI""s Phase 1 effort will result in an assessment of the overall approach, identification of active and passive monitoring approaches, definition of the relevant open standards and architectures, and development of a representative monitor, analytic, and application."
Intelligent Multi-Computing-Platform for Complex Tactical Manned and Unmanned Engagement Planning and Data Distribution,N68335-14-C-0389,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79762.00,Chesapeake Technology International Corporation,"44427 Airport Road, Suite 100",,California,MD,20619-,No,No,No,Kevin Satow,Director of Contracts and,(301) 862-2726,ksatow@ctic-inc.com,Dustan Hellwig,Chief Technical Officer,(719) 488-2726,dhellwig@ctic-inc.com,"Chesapeake Technology International""s proposed solution for the""Intelligent Multi-Computing-Platform for Complex Tactical Manned and Unmanned Engagement Planning and Data Distribution""SBIR program is the Synchronized Collaborative Open Planning Environment, or SCOPE. SCOPE builds upon CTI""s extensive experience in mission planning, execution, automation, distribution, and management to provide planners and analysts with the ability to collaboratively plan strike missions using current and emerging desktop and mobile computing devices. Leveraging existing thin-client, data caching and synchronization, virtualization, and advanced planning and visualization capabilities along with emerging cross-domain, secure wireless, and data standardization approaches, CTI""s SCOPE will satisfy all of the requirements for this SBIR program, provide an extensible architecture for future growth and expansion, and provide security and assurance within a tactical aviation planning environment. CTI""s analysis will identify the architecture, technologies, and software approach/technique for this collaborative mission planning capability resulting in a design of the distributed planning capabilities, the interface and data standards that would be applied, the impact on integrating or modifying existing Joint Mission Planning System core and Unique Planning Component software to work within this remote/distributed computing environment, and a clear plan for moving forward with prototype development and demonstration including a complete plan for IA certification."
Joint Tactical Air Control Training with Intelligent CGFs (JTACTICs): Improved Computerized Ground Forces (CGF) for Close Air Support Training,FA8650-14-M-6543,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149981.00,"CHI Systems, Inc.",2250 Hickory Road,Suite 150,Plymouth Meeting,PA,19462-,No,No,No,Geraldine Burke,CFO,(215) 542-1400,gburke@chisystems.com,Michael Woodman,PI,(215) 542-1400,mwoodman@chisystems.com,"ABSTRACT: One of the key lessons learned from operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom is that Close Air Support (CAS) is assuming an increasingly important role for US military planners and field commanders. Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) play a critical role across all Services in bringing air superiority to bear in engaging targets of opportunity in close proximity to friendly forces and non-combatants. The job of a JTAC is demanding and requires strong cognitive skills to maintain situational awareness. CHI Systems, Inc. will develop and demonstrate prototype intelligent agents interacting within computer generated forces, via speech recognition and generation, inside a game-based immersive 3D simulation environment in order to conduct Joint Terminal Attack Controller Training. Our research for this project, Joint Tactical Air Control Training with Intelligent CGFs (JTACTICs), will determine the CAS-related missions that the JTAC war fighters are expected to engage in, the CAS-related white-force role players to be injected into a CGF, and the scenarios and performance measures for JTAC training. CHI Systems will demonstrate the feasibility and functionality of JTACTICs by providing a proof-of-concept demonstration in which a certified JTAC will prosecute a scenario from the commander""s five-paragraph order through mission execution to AAR. BENEFIT: Medium-fidelity, PC-based training simulators that enjoy substantial cost advantages over large high fidelity simulators and can be deployed in volumes sufficient to provide on-demand training to any JTAC on an anytime/anywhere basis. Meaningful training and performance assessment: incorporating the tutoring and assessment required to address training of real-time decision making in complex situations, sophisticated speech understanding capabilities to train skills related to communications, such as radio procedures, and the cognitive and pedagogical infrastructure to deliver the vital training that occurs during after-action reviews. Eliminating the need for dedicated controllers/role players: synthetic agents to eliminate the need for human confederates to staff positions not being filled by trainees; for instance, pilots, other controllers, and ground forces that JTACs must monitor and interact with synthetic agents that exhibit advanced, realistic, and dynamic behaviors."
Portable Hyposia Training (PHYTR) System,N68335-14-C-0065,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79994.00,CHROMOLOGIC LLC,1225 S SHAMROCK AVE,,MONROVIA,CA,91016-4244,No,No,No,Naresh Menon,CEO,(626) 381-9974,nmenon@chromologic.com,Naresh Menon,CEO,(626) 381-9974,nmenon@chromologic.com,"In order to address the Navy""s need for a new mask-on mobile device to train aviators for altitude exposure (hypoxia training), ChromoLogic LLC (CL) proposes to develop a Portable Hypoxia Training (PHYTR) system. The PHYTR system will be based on a novel concept that takes ambient air and produces user specified oxygen content through a cyclical fluid exchange process. When completed, the PHYTR system will be compact (<18""X18""), use a regular wall-plug power (120V, 1A) and will not require any consumables (air tanks, filters) resulting in a simple, cost effective solution that will produce>250LPM of on-demand air that can simulate conditions from sea level to 30,000ft. In Phase I, CL will build and demonstrate a prototype that will demonstrate all the key components of the PHYTR system. In Phase II, CL will demonstrate a fully functional system at a Navy training site (TRL 9)."
Non-invasive Detection System for Assessment of Oxidative Status,W911QY-14-C-0003,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,2,499889.00,CHROMOLOGIC LLC,1225 S SHAMROCK AVE,,MONROVIA,CA,91016-4244,No,No,No,Naresh Menon,CEO,(626) 381-9974,nmenon@chromologic.com,Mark Mackanos,Research Scientist,(626) 381-9974,jaxtelle@chromologic.com,"To address the Army""s need for a non-invasive, compact, robust system to monitor the oxidative status of military personnel, ChromoLogic (CL) proposed and demonstrated during Phase I a OCular Oxidative Stress Monitor (OCOSMO) system based on non-invasive optical measurements of oxidative stress biomarkers that are expressed within the aqueous humor (eye). By building multiple generations of OCOSMO prototypes and performing in vitro tests, CL demonstrated for the first time that cost-effective non-invasive monitoring of oxidative stress biomarkers in real-time is highly feasible. A high specificity panel of biomarkers was identified for determining oxidative stress caused from exercise. Tests with the OCOSMO prototypes showed that these biomarkers can be identified with sensitivity>10x the clinical level needed. In Phase II, CL plans to develop a complete OCOSMO prototype and perform detailed pre-clinical and clinical validation of the technology."
Nondestructive Evaluation of Thick Outer Mold Line Paints and Coatings,FA8650-14-C-5024,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,749994.00,CHROMOLOGIC LLC,1225 S SHAMROCK AVE,,MONROVIA,CA,91016-4244,No,No,No,Naresh Menon,CEO,(626) 381-9974,nmenon@chromologic.com,Mark Mackanos,Research Scientist,(626) 381-9974,jaxtelle@chromologic.com,"ABSTRACT: To address the Air Force""s need for a nondestructive evaluation tool for aircraft outer mold line (OML) urethane and epoxy integrity assessment to address and identify premature failures, ChromoLogic (CL) proposed and demonstrated during Phase I a Coating Integrity Monitoring by Spectroscopic Analysis (CIMOSA) system based on nondestructive optical measurements of coating materials chemical composition. CL demonstrated that a cost-effective nondestructive non-invasive coating evaluation tool in real-time is highly feasible. Tests with the CIMOSA prototypes showed that USAF paint samples with different levels of degradation can be discriminated between when compared to the normal sample. Phase I results, clearly identified a validation pathway and the strong commercial interest in the CIMOSA system offers us the confidence that continued Phase II technology improvements in all the CIMOSA subsystems will lead to a non-destructive and non-invasive aircraft paint coating integrity monitoring system and will meet the Air Force""s requirements for an intuitive to use, portable device that requires no sample collection or use of any chemical assays. The entire system will be validated by bench-top aircraft paint samples of numerous paint layers with various autoclaved time ranges followed by aircraft measurements in a hanger at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. BENEFIT: Develop a non-invasive and non-destructive way of measuring aircraft coating integrity levels of operational aircraft. It will be usable by a non-expert and can be used in aircraft maintenance facilities for the USAF and aircraft manufacturers."
Marking of Components for Avoidance of Counterfeit Parts,HQ0147-14-C-7003,DOD,MDA,SBIR,2014,2,972554.00,CHROMOLOGIC LLC,1225 S SHAMROCK AVE,,MONROVIA,CA,91016-4244,No,No,No,Naresh Menon,CEO,(626) 381-9974,nmenon@chromologic.com,Leonard Nelson,Project Manager,(626) 381-9974,jaxtelle@chromologic.com,"ChromoLogic LLC is developing Quantitative Optical Traceability Technology (""QuanTEK"") to meet the need for a secure, rapid, and cost effective authentication of electronic components. QuanTEK consists of optical enrollment and authentication subsystems that allow the operators at multiple points in the supply chain to securely transmit information related to the identity and origin of electronic components without the need for part marking or relational databases. Furthermore, the system enables automation capabilities amenable to broad adoption in high volumes. QuanTEK will lead to an unambiguous, cost effective, and rapid system for tracking electronic components within the global supply chain. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7739 (18 March 14)."
Atmospheric Environmental Metrology for Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) Sensor Flight Test,N68335-14-C-0055,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79822.00,Clear Align LLC,2550 Boulevard of the Generals,Suite 280,Eagleville,PA,19403-3679,Yes,Yes,No,Angelique Irvin,CEO,(484) 956-0510,angelique.irvin@clearalign.com,Michael J. Finlan,Vice President of Laser S,(484) 956-0510,mike.finlan@clearalign.com,We propose to evaluate the factors in a differential-absorption lidar system for remote monitoring of trace gases.
Direct Printing of 3D Structural RF Electronics,FA8650-14-C-2421,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,749971.00,"Sciperio, Inc.",12151 Research Pkwy. Suite 150,,Orlando,FL,-,No,No,No,Beth Brownell,Director of Operations,(407) 275-4720,bbrownell@sciperio.com,Kenneth Church,Senior Research Scientist,(407) 275-4720,khc@sciperio.com,"ABSTRACT: Using the advantages of 3D printing, an antenna system wing structure will be printed. The antenna system will be a multi-layer electronic device with a number of antenna elements. The electronics will not be mounted to the wing structure, they will become part of the wing structure. This implies an impact to Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) for UAV""s. The payload will become part of the wing structure allowing the rest of the UAV to be utilized for more fuel for longer flights. The electronic portion of this must operate in the RF regime and the success of Phase I demonstrated a numbering of working devices utilizing 3D printed materials and including ring resonators and multi-bit phase shifters. This is the first time a complex RF system will be printed utilizing 3D printing and Direct printing approach. This will enable UAV""s but also enable a vast number of 3D RF products. BENEFIT: The anticipated benefits will be enhanced capabilities in smaller UAV""s that could rival the large complex, expensive crafts. These small UAV""s with printed phase array system wings will provide more intelligence and surveillance capabilities to a broader range of war fighters at less cost to the DoD. This will be a significant savings to the DoD when this is fully utilized and expanded beyond UAV""s and into other electronic devices that are deployed. This will transition beyond the DoD and move to enable consumer electronic products. The complexity of this project is significant as compared to more simplistic but mass produced consumer electronics. Next generation consumer electronics will be customized, personalized and be enabled via 3D printing. The potential of manufacturing in the U.S. will become a reality when this matures."
Affordable 3D Printed Phased Arrays,N00014-14-P-1238,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,79995.00,"Sciperio, Inc.",12151 Research Pkwy. Suite 150,,Orlando,FL,-,No,No,No,Beth Brownell,Contracts Manager,(407) 275-4755,bbrownell@sciperio.com,Kenneth Church,Senior Research Scientist,(407) 275-4755,khc@sciperio.com,"3D printed phased array antennas (PAA) would be more rugged, lighter and take a variety of shapes and including unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) wings. Printing antennas, passives and interconnects has been demonstrated in 3D printing. Using printed electronic approaches for printing Field Effect Transistors (FET) has been demonstrated and including printing switches in the GHz regime. The challenge is to combine these similar but disparate techniques to print active switches in PAAs. This proposed effort will utilize micro-dispensing, also known as direct printing, to print the entire PAA. Demonstrations of a printed FET as well as printing to bare die will be done in Phase I and a path to show the cost savings and the feasibility of printing a full PAA in Phase II."
"L-Band Wide Bandwidth High Performance Diplexer, Triplexer, and Quadruplexer",FA9453-14-M-0102,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149802.00,"Cobra Design & Engineering, Inc",3225 Bennett Street North,STE B,Saint Petersburg,FL,33713-,Yes,No,No,C. B. Rennick,President,(727) 528-1621,cbra@cobra-design-eng.com,John Tischner,Vice President,(727) 528-1621,jjta@cobra-design-eng.com,"ABSTRACT: The existing Diplexer, Triplexer, and Quadruplexer Designs currently employ bulky, machined cavity housings, are quite heavy, and cannot easily be reconfigured to meet changing system requirements. Cobra Design & Engineering, Inc. intends to employ a tubular coaxial resonator construction consisting of thin-walled aluminum tubes with interconnected ends. This method will allow the components to be lightweight, affordable and rugged enough to withstand the shock environment while meeting the electrical requirements of a high power multiplexer. These techniques were successfully applied to fabricate a high power UHF SATCOM Triplexer for a Navy SBIR. Cobra""s unique design configuration promises low passband loss, high power handling ability, and flexibility to adapt to changing bandwidth and stop-band rejection requirements, all while significantly reducing weight. BENEFIT: The lightweight construction of the tubular filter configuration allows for a much lighter total assembly weight than current Multiplexers. Multiplexer weight reduction allows for a lighter spaceborne payload making launch costs more economical."
Game-Theory Enabled Radio Spectrum Management and Waveform Adaptation for Advanced Wideband Satellite Communications,FA9453-13-M-0156,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149941.00,"Cognitive Radio Technologies, LLC","147 Mill Ridge Rd, Suite 212",,Lynchburg,VA,24502-,No,No,No,James Neel,President,(434) 420-8055,james.neel@crtwireless.com,James Neel,President,(434) 420-8055,james.neel@crtwireless.com,"ABSTRACT: This project will identify feasible game-theoretical approaches for joint waveform adaptation, cognitive spectrum sensing & management in hierarchical spectrum sharing games with primary users, secondary users, persistent jammers and asymmetric information structures. Develop anti-jamming strategies by game-based means of frequency diversity, hybrid satellite-terrestrial networking & physical medium access layers BENEFIT: If successfully developed, the technology can potentially reduce technology risks in support of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite systems to provide worldwide, secure, survivable, and jam-resistant communications for high-priority military ground, sea, and air assets."
Desert Fauna Detection and Tracking System,FA9302-14-C-0002,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,739162.00,"Coherent Technical Services, Inc.",46561 Expedition Drive,Suite 100,Lexington Park,MD,20653-,No,No,No,Carrie Willmore,Director of Operations,(301) 880-3341,carrie.willmore@goctsi.com,Patrick Madorin,Principal Investigator,(301) 880-3341,patrick.madorin@goctsi.com,"ABSTRACT: Identifying the presence of endangered and threatened species is crucial to complying with Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Each year military reservations spend large amounts of resources in time, materials, and manpower in identifying if endangered or threatened species are present. Current methods of determining presence of endangered and threatened species are labor intensive and may cause stress and habitat disruption. In addition, based on the surveyor""s skill level, attention to following procedures, and record keeping, can introduce more unwanted variables into the reliability and accuracy of the field survey. An alternative method of species identification is needed that is more economical with increased accuracy, while minimizing impacts to the environment. An acoustical signal identification approach that has proved successful in identifying marine mammals will be implemented for terrestrial applications. CTSi and Cornell University""s Bioacoustics Research Program have identified an innovative approach which will deliver accurate field surveys for any desired species that can vocalize, locate the emission position, use less labor, use ordinary people as survey scientists, and operate in rugged environmental conditions. Our team will provide a rugged autonomous acoustic DRP system that can consistently and accurately identify and track animals that emit sounds. This system operates autonomously and produces an acoustical emissions map for the end user. The system can easily accommodate other acoustic emission identification and location applications. BENEFIT: The anticipated benefit of this effort is automating environmental compliance fauna site surveys by using species unique acoustical identification methods. A by-product of this automation is enhanced species detection while reducing manpower to conduct the survey and minimizing intrusion into environmentally sensitive areas. This technology can be adapted into many applications especially in the DOD surveillance market, where detecting target sounds and the emission origin provides the warfighter with enhanced situational awareness capability."
Air Vehicle Communication in a Denied Environment,N68335-15-C-0015,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79890.00,"Coherent Technical Services, Inc.",46561 Expedition Drive,Suite 100,Lexington Park,MD,20653-,No,No,No,Carrie Willmore,Director of Operations,(301) 880-3341,carrie.willmore@goctsi.com,Ian Gallimore,Principal Investigator,(301) 880-3341,ian.gallimore@goctsi.com,"The proposed research will lead to a hybrid laser communications and ultra wide band (UWB) radio frequency communication system that will provide the maximum throughput achievable (>>1Gb/s) with novel emerging state-of-the-art technology, while also providing graceful degradtion should laser communications be affected by atmospheric effects. The all-aspect UWB element provides the means to cue the directive laser communications element, while also providing high bandwidth fail-over capability. The UWB element can also be used by itself in electronic warfare environments. Novel means of digital notching and amplifier pre- and post-compensation schemes will provide anti-jam capabilities not now available, while simultaneously preserving more low probability of detection performance in comparison to other techniques."
Portable Microwave Cold Atomic Clock,D14PC00133,DOD,DARPA,SBIR,2014,1,99933.00,ColdQuanta,1600 Range Street,Suite 103,Boulder,CO,-,No,No,No,Rainer Kunz,President,(303) 440-1284,rainer.kunz@coldquanta.com,Steven Hughes,Lead Engineer,(303) 440-1284,steven.hughes@coldquanta.com,ColdQuanta proposes to develop a MOT-based laser-cooled microwave atom clock prototype having a stability of at least 1E-12 for a 1 s integration time that can serve as a primary atomic frequency. Phase I focuses on the key challenges facing the developm
Increased Radio Frequency (RF) Sampling&Radar Architecture Upgrades,FA8650-14-M-1776,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149975.00,Colorado Engineering Inc.,1915 Jamboree Drive,Suite 165,Colorado Springs,CO,-,No,No,No,Nancy E. Scally,CEO,(719) 388-8582,nancy.scally@coloradoengineeringinc.com,Larry Scally,President,(719) 388-8582,larry.scally@coloradoengineeringinc.com,"ABSTRACT: The maneuverability and low cross section of modern targets in today""s airspace presents serious challenges to radar systems. Increasing target SNRs while minimizing transmit power and dwell times is paramount to maximizing asset survivability. ADC technology continues to improve in the commercial market, and the next generation offers higher sampling rates at wider sample lengths. The faster sampling rates of these devices can help lower the noise floor while the increased number of bits improves dynamic range. However, military radar, ELINT, and ECM systems struggle to take advantage of improved ADC components and commercial components in a timely fashion. Strategies enabling faster technology insertion spirals are needed to take advantage of new technologies, or DoD systems risk falling behind the capabilities of adversarial assets. CEI proposes to leverage its extensive experience with radar systems, advanced embedded processing architectures, and high performance ADC design to validate the use of ADC components offering higher sampling rates and wider word lengths to improve radar detection while also defining architectures to facilitate the faster insertion of such technology. CEI will explore what can be done to maximize the sample rate, dynamic range, and upgradability for modern airborne radars competing with new emerging threats. BENEFIT: CEI has developed software and hardware technologies for a variety of government programs, and the team has transitioned over 37 products to production for use in DoD and Government systems. CEI also has experience commercializing technology developed under Government-funded programs. Products are packaged as COTS items, listed on a catalog price sheet, supported with technical application notes and marketing materials, and made available for sale to both the commercial and Government markets. CEI will promote technologies developed under this effort as part of its standard commercial product marketing and sales activities. As further evidence of CEI""s success with commercialization of SBIR technology, the Small Business Administration presented CEI with the 2011 Tibbetts Award. This prestigious award is presented to small businesses that represent excellence in achieving the mission and goals of the SBIR and STTR program, stimulate technological innovation, and increase commercialization of Federal research. The radar parameter assessment tools and supporting hardware/software architecture resulting from Phase I and II enable rapid prototyping, development, and deployment of radar systems. The applications of the technology are as broad as the radar market in general, both Government and commercial. System applications include upgrades to airborne platforms such as AWACS, F-22, and JSF. Ground based system for air traffic control would also benefit from the ability to rapidly develop and deploy upgraded receivers. SWAP-C optimized sense-and-avoid radar solutions for UAVs are also of interest to enable operation in domestic airspace. CEI will leverage its contacts within AFRL, the FAA, and prime contractors to promote the use of the anticipated assessment tools and architecture for radar design within the restrictions of the ITAR-restricted designation."
Application of Phase Noise Discrimination to Electronic Warfare (EW),N00024-14-P-4523,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,80000.00,Colorado Engineering Inc.,1915 Jamboree Drive,Suite 165,Colorado Springs,CO,-,No,No,No,Nancy Scally,CEO,(719) 388-8582,nancy.scally@coloradoengineeringinc.com,Larry Scally,President,(719) 388-8582,larry.scally@coloradoengineeringinc.com,"Colorado Engineering, Inc. (CEI) with its teammate AntennaMetrics, Inc. will use their collective experience and expertise to establish the feasibility of exploiting phase noise in a tactical environment for passive target and platform identification and jammer discrimination. CEI will build on many years of radar, EW and electronics experience oriented toward Digital Signal Processing (DSP), Electromagnetics (EM) and RF system design. AntennaMetrics will support CEI by providing deep expertise in EW systems engineering and SEWIP Block 2 design, demo planning, and SEWIP integration of the phase noise discrimination hardware."
Compact High Speed Signal Processor,N00024-14-P-4571,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,1,79975.00,Colorado Engineering Inc.,1915 Jamboree Drive,Suite 165,Colorado Springs,CO,-,No,No,No,Nancy Scally,CEO,(719) 388-8582,nancy.scally@coloradoengineeringinc.com,Phillip Roberts,Chief Technology Officer,(719) 388-8582,phil.roberts@coloradoengineeringinc.com,"Colorado Engineering, Inc. (CEI) proposes to leverage its expertise in development of compact high speed signal processors for radar applications including U.A.V. to develop similar technologies for torpedo defense applications. A total systems approach will be emphasized that will incorporate state of the art APU, GPU, and FPGA components to develop a common signal processing platform that will meet the needs of a variety of sensor platforms. CEI is familiar with highly dense packaging technologies including extremely dense multilayer PCB""s, MCM""s and ASIC""s. The goal will be to leverage technologies whose advancement is being driven by commercial applications such as telecommunications, video gaming and computing. CEI will apply these technologies to meet the Navy""s unique requirements for torpedo defense applications. The TPOC has expressed that these technologies should be implementable within the next few years. CEI is engaged with many commercial technology suppliers and is familiar with their roadmaps. CEI will also engage with Subject Matter Experts (SME""s) in torpedo defense applications to tailor the signal processing solution to meet the Navy""s needs in this problem space."
Multi-Function Radar Seeker (MFS),FA8651-14-C-0178,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,749995.00,Colorado Engineering Inc.,1915 Jamboree Drive,Suite 165,Colorado Springs,CO,-,No,No,No,Nancy Scally,CEO,(719) 388-8582,nancy.scally@coloradoengineeringinc.com,Larry Scally,President,(719) 388-8582,larry.scally@coloradoengineeringinc.com,"ABSTRACT: Colorado Engineering Inc. (CEI), along with its teammates, proposes to realize the multi-function seeker (MFS) concept in a scalable, heterogeneous, dynamically configurable electronic stack. Leveraging its collective expertise in communication systems design, radar systems design, electromagnetics (EM) analysis and modeling, antenna design, RF design, advanced processing architectures, digital signal processing (DSP) algorithm design, anti-tamper (AT), information assurance (IA) and built-in test (BIT), the CEI team will create a fully functional electronic stack that will demonstrate diverse RF waveforms applicable for both radar and communications functions. The Phase II work will include the final design, modelling, construction, and test of the dynamically configurable RF base module, the digital receiver/exciter module, and the signal processor module. BENEFIT: CEI has a history of success commercializing technologies developed under government programs. The most recent evidence of this success can be seen in the presentation of the Tibbetts Award to CEI by the Small Business Administration. This prestigious award is given to small businesses that represent excellence in achieving the mission and goals of the SBIR program, stimulating technological innovation, and increasing the commercialization of Federal research. CEI was presented with this award at a White House ceremony. CEI has developed software and hardware technologies for a variety of government programs, and the team has transitioned over 37 products to production for use in DoD and Government systems. CEI also has experience commercializing technology developed under Government-funded programs. Products are packaged as COTS items, listed on a catalog price sheet, supported with technical application notes and marketing materials, and made available for sale to both the commercial and government markets. CEI will promote technologies developed under this effort as part of its standard commercial product marketing and sales activities. The MFS architecture, algorithms and technologies will be applicable across all Air Force and DOD missile systems. The technologies and algorithms will be extendable to many DoD and commercial applications that utilize electronic processing and REX systems. CEI has close relationship with primes to get MFS inserted into future missile systems. The architectures developed will be extremely flexible. The commercialization strategy will include generating target data sheets for the derivative technologies and algorithms from MFS. These data sheets will be posted on CEI""s website and circulated throughout applicable DOD agencies, NASA, three letter agencies, and interested qualified commercial parties. The MFS system can be scaled for other radar and communication applications. The technology enhancements anticipated under this program will reduce CSWaP requirements while increasing system performance. Enabling multi-function radars to operate in smaller CSWaP footprints will expand the applications and market for these technologies to a wider range of commercial and Government aircraft, both manned and unmanned. The additional capabilities provided by a radar and communication system (MFS) flying on small UAS will be extremely beneficial for all applications of UAS including battlefield advantages, law enforcement and disaster management."
Acoustically Synchronized Store Ejection/Release Technology (ASSERT),N68335-14-C-0034,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,899908.00,Combustion Research and Flow Technology,PA,,Pipersville,PA,18947-1020,No,No,No,Brian York,Treasurer and Principal S,(215) 766-1520,york@craft-tech.com,Neeraj Sinha,Vice President&Technica,(215) 766-1520,sinha@craft-tech.com,"The Acoustically Synchronized Store Ejection/Release Technology (ASSERT) test process was developed by CRAFT Tech. This research has produced a capability to conduct small scale dynamic drop tests instrumented with stereo-photogrammetry to track store motion and synchronize this with unsteady weapons bay flowfield measurements. An advanced pneumatic ejection system has been developed which supports the telemetry system requirements, and is capable of imparting predetermined pitch and ejection forces, and enables synchronized data collection. This capability can be used to support current and future weapons separation flight test activities for the F-35 Lightning II. In addition, coupling the time of release of the weapon with the dynamic pressure sensors in the bay has led to a""do no harm""control concept that will allow the store release to be synchronized with the unsteady weapons bay flowfield to reduce the risk of the separating weapon contacting the aircraft. The ASSERT test process will produce store separation trajectory data using light Mach scaled store models, although heavy scaling can be used when conditions permit."
Highly Compact Supersonic Cruise Missile (SSCM) Engine Inlet,N68335-14-C-0031,DOD,NAVY,SBIR,2014,2,749974.00,Combustion Research and Flow Technology,PA,,Pipersville,PA,18947-1020,No,No,No,Brian York,Treasurer and Principal S,(215) 766-1520,york@craft-tech.com,Neeraj Sinha,Vice President&Technica,(215) 766-1520,sinha@craft-tech.com,"As air vehicle speeds increase, air breathing engine and inlet technology follow through concurrent supersonic performance requirements. The recent ability to build smaller supersonic engines has established a void in small air vehicle inlet capability. A solution to decrease the overall footprint of supersonic inlets within the Next Generation TOMAHAWK (NGT)/Supersonic Cruise Missiles (SSCM) is desired. Conventional inlet design is limited to classical shapes for the supersonic portion of the inlet due to the use of semi-empirical codes that are restricted to this limited set of possible shapes; and, are limited to lofting the subsonic diffuser downstream of the terminal shock to meet the required average Mach number at the compressor face. CRAFT Tech will utilize a novel Inlet Design Optimization Environment to conduct the design and development of a compact high-speed inlet for the NGT/SSCM. CRAFT Tech will prepare a detailed plan for wind-tunnel testing of the design, with the specific purpose of verifying the inlet design and design of the test hardware will also be performed. This comprehensive planning will also include identification of an appropriate test facility, interfacing of the model scale inlet with the test facility, definition of a suitable test matrix and associated testing protocols."
Autonomous UAV Aerodynamic Performance Analysis for the Near-Ship Environment,N68335-14-C-0073,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,2,250030.00,Combustion Research and Flow Technology,PA,,Pipersville,PA,18947-1020,No,No,No,Brian York,Treasurer and Principal S,(215) 766-1520,york@craft-tech.com,Jeremy Shipman,Research Scientist,(215) 766-1520,shipman@craft-tech.com,"The overall goal of this STTR program is to develop an efficient, high-fidelity, CFD-based design tool for the simulation of ship-board flight testing of autonomous UAV systems. In the first phase of this program, an overall flight simulation framework that employs a modular approach to the flight simulation problem was developed. Phase II of the program demonstrated a fully coupled aircraft/ship simulation employing the General Helicopter Flight Dynamics Simulation (GENHEL) model to represent an H-60 rotorcraft for a restricted landing approach. The Phase II option focuses on adding the capability to move the rotorcraft relative to the ship in an efficient manner while maintaining full fidelity physics models. The proposed follow-on Phase II.5 effort will apply the fully functional tool to a specific VTUAV such as Fire Scout, perform a virtual dynamic interface analysis for an FFG class ship, and compare the results to flight test data. A proposed option effort for the Phase II.5 will focus on application to a UAV in the design stage with the goal of reducing risk and potentially influencing the approach to flight testing. The application of the simulation tools developed in this program has the potential to both reduce risk and acquisition costs for new UAV systems. Risk reduction can be achieved by using the simulation tool early in the design stages of a UAV system development process to ensure any dynamic interface issues are understood and mitigated, and that any impacts of these issues are planned for during flight testing. Acquisition costs can be reduced through insertion of the simulation results in the flight test planning process, potentially reducing the number of required live article test points. The proposal team consists of CRAFT Tech and The Pennsylvania State University."
Modular Flexible Weapons Integration,FA8650-14-M-2500,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,1,149994.00,Combustion Research and Flow Technology,PA,,Pipersville,PA,18947-1020,No,No,No,Neeraj Sinha,Vice-President&Technical Director,(215) 766-1520,york@craft-tech.com,Roger Birkbeck,Senior Design Engineer,(215) 766-1520,sinha@craft-tech.com,"CRAFT Tech proposes the development of an innovative design optimization tool called""AeroRCS""which will simultaneously solve for both aerodynamic performance as well as electromagnetic reflectivity (Radar Cross Section). When operated in an automated environment, AeroRCS will intelligently""morph""and steer the shape to converge on an optimal solutions. AeroRCS will be demonstrated by developing innovative external weapons carriage concepts aimed at expanding the weapons loadout for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter with minimal impact to mission performance/range and aircraft survivability. Limited proof-of-concept testing will be performed in Phase I with Phase II emphasizing more extensive validation testing to characterize Radar Cross Section (RCS), aerodynamic performance, and store separation."
Ceramic Matrix Composite Materials for Transpiration Cooling,W31P4Q-14-C-0111,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,1,99999.00,Combustion Research and Flow Technology,PA,,Pipersville,PA,18947-1020,No,No,No,Brian York,Treasurer and Principal Scientst,(215) 766-1520,york@craft-tech.com,Sanford M. Dash,President&Chief Scientist,(215) 766-1520,dash@craft-tech.com,"Proposed effort will formulate and demonstrate the methodology for fabricating Porous Ceramic Matrix Composite (PCMC) transpiration plates with controlled levels of porosity, suitable for high-speed/high-temperature missile applications. Process will entail subjecting polymer composites to high-temperature pyrolysis process converting it to a porous ceramic matrix and locking the fiber reinforcement in place. Porosity of fabricated plates will be characterized using pycnometer and compared with porous metallic plates with drilled holes constructed for scramjet tests in the CUBRC shock tunnel facility. Thermal and mechanical testing of the PCMC plates will be performed for plates with varied levels of porosity. Preliminary planning for Phase II testing at CUBRC in realistic hypersonic conditions will also be performed, where the CUBRC Combustion Duct model will be used for which detailed experimental and CFD studies have been performed. Preliminary CFD transpiration studies performed earlier have indicated the effectiveness of transpiration in reducing drag in the combustor thus increasing overall performance."
Aerodynamic Analysis of Deployed Bay Doors on Modern High-Speed Aircraft,FA8650-14-C-2515,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,743054.00,Combustion Research and Flow Technology,PA,,Pipersville,PA,18947-1020,No,No,No,Brian York,Treasurer and Principal S,(215) 766-1520,york@craft-tech.com,Neeraj Sinha,Vice President&Technica,(215) 766-1520,sinha@craft-tech.com,"ABSTRACT: The need for evaluation of aerodynamic loads on internal weapons bay doors comes from the US Air Force's requirement to open doors on many of its aircraft during flight. This ranges from an aircraft's low-speed opening of landing gear doors and speed brakes to opening weapons bay doors in supersonic flight. This sets up a situation for unsteady aerodynamic loading of these surfaces due to the potential for unsteady flow oscillations in and around the exposed bay that is known to exhibit strong tonal content under many of the flight conditions at which the U.S. Air Force operates its aircraft. These weapons bay tones and the oscillatory nature of the separated flow on the doors have the potential to excite structural modes of the doors, aircraft surfaces, or externally carried munitions and fuel tanks and can lead to buffet, flutter, or fatigue induced failures. Part of the aircraft flight certification for all operational and developmental aircraft includes assessments of the aircraft store compatibility, which is made more difficult in view of the fluid structure interactions that must be taken into account. During an aircraft development and demonstration program, a validated Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) model provides a means of generating data to support assessments regarding the design of the structure, provide flight certification, etc. BENEFIT: A high-fidelity Unified Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) Modeling and Testing capability for evaluation of dynamic loads on payload bay doors will result from the SBIR program. CRAFT Tech will market this unique capability to prime contractors and manufacturers of large commercial airliners/military transports/bombers and tactical fighter to study loads on weapons bay doors, the wheel bay doors and other near vicinity surfaces/components. This technology is obviously relevant to small passenger and/or regional jets, as well for loads associated with wheel wells, etc. The SBIR product is well-suited for supporting the design of a new generation of launch vehicles that is placing a premium on robust and accurate predictions of aero-acoustic and buffet loads experienced at launch. They are also very applicable to large-scale commercial pumps that are extremely prone to performance loss and/or structural failure caused by cavitation-induced severe dynamic loading."
Physical Sub-Model Development for Turbulence Combustion Closure,FA9550-14-C-0021,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,149996.00,Combustion Research and Flow Technology,PA,,Pipersville,PA,18947-1020,No,No,No,Brian York,Treasurer and Principal Scientst,(215) 766-1520,york@craft-tech.com,"William H. Calhoon, Jr.",Senior Research Scientist,(256) 883-1905,calhoon@craft-tech.com,"ABSTRACT: The innovation proposed is a computationally-tractable, physics-based, portable turbulent combustion modeling strategy for application to a wide range of Air Force aero-propulsive systems, including augmentors, liquid rockets and scramjets. This modeling strategy will be implemented within an Application Programming Interface (API) library suitable for easy integration within Air Force CFD simulation codes. The significance of the innovation is that it will improve the predictive capabilities of these codes with regard to the interaction of highly-unsteady, turbulent flows with combustion processes. As a result, CFD simulations will be able to capture more accurately and in a cost effective manner the complex flow physics governing propulsion system performance and stability. This combustion model library will involve a multi-layered approach that includes a range of formulations applicable to different flame regimes and with varying degrees of computational costs. By providing a viable and accurate modeling strategy of lasting relevance applicable for routine analysis, the appropriate model may be chosen for a particular problem/scenario while minimizing computational cost. BENEFIT: In order to ensure portability and easy coupling with appropriate reacting CFD flow solvers, the proposed modeling strategy will be implemented within a portable library featuring a standardized multi-language Application Programming Interface (API). This API library represents a viable commercial product to be licensed to customers who require access to advanced turbulent combustion models in their CFD flow solver of choice. Combustion models available in the API library will be applicable to a wide range of military and commercial combustion applications, including gas turbines, augmentors, power generation systems, furnaces, incinerators, internal combustion engines, etc. The commercial opportunities for this standardized API library are enormous. CRAFT Tech will market this library for license to commercial customers as well as to other CFD flow solver development companies."
Afterburning Missile Base Flow Modeling and Analyses,W31P4Q-14-C-0122,DOD,ARMY,SBIR,2014,2,499982.00,Combustion Research and Flow Technology,PA,,Pipersville,PA,18947-1020,No,No,No,Brian York,Treasurer and Principal S,(215) 766-1520,york@craft-tech.com,Kevin Brinckman,Senior Research Scientist,(215) 766-1520,kbrinckman@craft-tech.com,"A validated, advanced, detailed physics-based CFD capability to accurately model the separated flow physics immediately downstream in the base region of a propulsive supersonic/hypersonic missile with plume afterburning is developed. The high levels of tu"
Techniques to Suppress Cavitation in Liquid Rocket Engines,FA9300-14-C-2000,DOD,USAF,SBIR,2014,2,744777.00,Combustion Research and Flow Technology,PA,,Pipersville,PA,18947-1020,No,No,No,Brian York,Treasurer and Principal S,(215) 766-1520,york@craft-tech.com,Ashvin Hosangadi,Principal Scientist,(215) 766-1520,hosangad@craft-tech.com,"ABSTRACT: Next generation liquid rocket systems, envision novel designs for cryogenic turbopumps that exhibit high suction performance with low inlet pressures, operate at high tip speeds to reduce size and weight, and can be throttled over a wide range of low, off-design flow conditions where the inlet flow quality is poor with large backflow. These are extremely demanding flow regimes which make the inducer susceptible to a range of cavitation instabilities that can lead to performance loss and potentially catastrophic damage due to large dynamic pressure loads. To mitigate these instabilities design strategies that employ cavitation suppression devices have to be explored to achieve robust performance over a wide operating range. The innovation proposed here is the development of a novel cavitation suppression concept that will be tested and the test data used to validate and mature the simulation framework, CRUNCH CFD as a design support tool. The resulting products at the end of the Phase II effort will be both a practical cavitation suppression device that is demonstrated to function for the flow regimes of interest, and a well-validated analysis tool, CRUNCH CFD, that can be used to predict performance and optimize designs of these devices. BENEFIT: This framework can be used as a design support tool for upper stage engines in the Next Generation Engine (NGE) program and would help reduce design cycle times. It would also support technology development efforts for NASA""s SLS program where new boosters that have a heavy lift capability will be designed. It is anticipated that this product will be of interest as a design support tool to the aerospace industry. In addition, a broader market exists, comprising industrial pump designers who would be interested in using this product for designing high-energy systems such as boiler feed pumps and fuel injection pumps. In these applications, the pumps are required to perform at off-design conditions over extended time periods. They typically are required to be certified for a specified durable life operation (e.g. 40,000 hours) and have stringent vibration level requirements, making it critical that cavitation effects be eliminated or mitigated."
Design Optimization and Analysis of Advanced Exhaust Systems,N68335-14-C-0342,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,79998.00,Combustion Research and Flow Technology,PA,,Pipersville,PA,18947-1020,No,No,No,Brian York,Treasurer and Principal S,(215) 766-1520,york@craft-tech.com,Neeraj Sinha,Vice President&Technica,(215) 766-1520,sinha@craft-tech.com,"Historically, aircraft engines have featured relatively simple axisymmetric exhaust shapes with several moving parts; however, future engine exhaust systems are expected feature compact, sinuous ducts with complex non-axisymmetric shapes, fixed exit areas, thrust vectoring etc., constructed with a minimum number of moving parts. Their exhaust plumes are currently not well understood; however, LES analysis of the exhaust system interior aerodynamics and the plume appears promising. Attention must also be directed towards the structural analysis. The current practice in the aerospace industry is to conduct uncoupled aerodynamic and structural analyses, which is a cumbersome, time consuming and expensive. It results less than optimal final exhaust configurations under tight time and budget constraints. This provides a strong motivation for creating a multi-disciplinary exhaust system optimization environment within which LES modeling of the exhaust flowfield is coupled to structural analyses of the components forming the exhaust system with the objective of minimizing structural component weight and maximizing system performance. Such tools are requisite for supporting the development of next-generation engines and optimizing their designs with regards to maximum system performance, as well as durability from the improved understanding of the structural loads on the exhaust nozzle and duct components leading to weight reduction."
Nonequilibrium Plasma-Assisted Combustion-Efficiency Control in Vitiated Air,FA8650-14-M-2443,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,150000.00,"Combustion Science & Engineering, Inc.",8940 Old Annapolis Road Suite L,,Columbia,MD,-,No,No,No,Michael Klassen,Vice President,(410) 884-3266,mklassen@csefire.com,Richard Joklik,Prinicipal Engineer,(410) 884-3266,rgjoklik@csefire.com,"ABSTRACT: The ability of plasmas to modify combustion has been known for more than 50 years. Recent advances in plasma generation technology and measurement diagnostics have led to extensive efforts to understand both the kinetics of the plasma-flame interaction and the enhancement of combustion properties such as ignition, extinction, flame speed and dynamics. Combustion Science & Engineering, Inc. proposes to develop a kinetic model of plasma-enhanced vitiated combustion for hydrocarbon fuels including JP-8 by coupling the existing CSE vitiated kinetics model with plasma-flame chemistry developed in the current work. In parallel with the model development, CSE will work with Purdue University to develop and apply a new optical diagnostic for absolute measurement of radical species: Two-Color, two-photon laser-induced Polarization Spectroscopy (TCPS). The overall goal of this work is the development and validation of a kinetic model of JP-8 plasma-enhanced combustion under vitiated (or augmentor relevant) conditions. Propane and ethylene have been chosen as the initial fuels for experimental convenience. In Phase II we will extend both the model and experiments to JP-8, and extend the TCPS diagnostic to O atoms. We will also make extinction and ignition measurements under plasma-enhanced vitiated conditions. BENEFIT: An important product from this project will be a comprehensive jet fuel surrogate kinetic model that includes the validated platform for modeling plasma-assisted combustion. This mechanism will be specifically targeted at conditions typical of augmentors, inter-turbine burners and diesel engines that use either vitiation or exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). In addition, an industrial partner is also interested in the current proposed work as it focuses on applications for small jet engines. We believe that this tool could readily lead to the design of a plasma-assisted combustion system suitable for use in augmentors or afterburners, where flame stability and relight issues can affect performance."
Physical Sub-Model Development for Turbulence Combustion Closure,FA9550-14-C-0016,DOD,DOD,STTR,2014,1,149999.00,"Combustion Science & Engineering, Inc.",8940 Old Annapolis Road Suite L,,Columbia,MD,-,No,No,No,Michael Klassen,Vice President,(410) 884-3266,mklassen@csefire.com,Esteban Gonzalez-Juez,Senior Engineer,(410) 884-3266,egonzalez@csefire.com,"ABSTRACT: Ramjets and scramjets are the preferred propulsion platforms for flight in the supersonic (3